Who needs em? That's not really what I mean. But after just returning from the store I realized something. As the children and I were walking through the beautifully decorated aisles and row after row of glittery, shiny decorations for our Christmas season.....What about thanksgiving? I realize that now that all Hollows Eve has passed that stores have just bypassed Thanksgiving. I know I have noticed this before...but not in the same sense as I did today.

Because you see we are increasingly aware that our finances are tighter than usual, and the padding needed for an American holiday season just isn't there. But that's what brings me to Thanksgiving....as for thankfully in this holiday that isn't at all what it's about. And furthermore, thankfully neither myself nor my husband are looking for a "typical" American holiday!

What do we need? We need 2 special days. One that reminds us of all of the amazing gifts, blessings, and trials that have been bestowed upon us through time...specifically the past year. On this day we need to be surrounded by family and/or friends. We also need to sit down to a meal. Not necessarily a fancy one or an extensive one. It needs to be a gathering around the table of family. That's it. That's what we need and that we will have....abundantly (might I add.)

We also need another day or two that we can reflect on a birth that forever changed our lives. We again, need to surround ourselves with family and friends. Gifts? Really they are not necessary....but we can use them to teach our children lessons on giving and receiving joyfully, the obligation and joy in giving things to those who need it more than us, and an overall show of care and love for others. Do we overdo it? Absolutely. Do we strive for a different typical than that shown at the store today. Yes.

Thankfully we don't need a "typical" American holiday season this year. Because...we don't want one!

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for a subluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.