Thanksgiving is past. The leftover turkey is finding its way into casseroles and other creative recipes. Feasters have found themselves stuffed almost as much as the bird itself. Thanksgiving food will linger through the next week’s meals. But the day after Thanksgiving is when the action really begins. For some, it’s the thrill of the hunt. For others it’s the time to duck and run. The official holiday shopping season has begun which major retail stores opening at the unbelievable hour of 4 a.m. Those who relish the idea of sleeping in on their day off, suddenly find their energy to arise at 2:30 a.m. and be on the road by 3 a.m. to stand in line to grab the hot item in limited amounts (only 3 available!) at a riduculously low price (regularly $50 - on sale for only $9.99!) for a limited number of hours (until 7 a.m. only!). After the “Early Bird Special” ends, the prices will go back up to a regular sale price. These women (and men) live for the hunt. For some, their personalities change from politeness to competitiveness. Some camp out overnight to be first in line for the specials. And I thought deer hunters were crazy. For some, the one-day power shopping bags all the gifts on their entire shopping list. For others, it’s just the beginning. With the shorter holiday shopping season, things will be even crazier. After all, it takes time to find the “perfect” gift for each and every person on the list - especially when you don’t have a clue as to what that “perfect” gift is. Then there’s the wrapping (or gift-bagging) and hiding of the items until you can safely put them under the tree. Besides the shopping, there are other activities that makes the rush more rushed. There are cookies, breads, cakes, pies and other goodies to prepare as gifts or for the number of holiday parties to attend. Decorating can take on a life of its own as men risk life and limb to hang the lights just so in an attempt to outdo the neighbor’s lighting. Women have the inside of the home to transform into a winter wonderland and set the mood for visitors with just the right fragrances, music, and eye appeal fpr the senses. With all the overload, no wonder some burn out by the time Christmas Day actually arrives. I may not be one to power shop before the crack of dawn, but I like to try to pace things to enjoy the holiday. I know that if I don’t do the “Black Friday” sales, there is always the “Last Minute” sales as retailers try to get rid of everything before they have to count inventory at the beginning of the new year. My advice - and you can take it or leave it - is to pace yourselves. Take time to really enjoy your family and friends around you. Don’t let the shortness of the season rob you of the true joy and reason of it all.