Somebody get Thanksgiving a publicist

Thanksgiving is kind of like your 19th birthday. You are just coming off the high of turning 18 (Halloween), moving toward the joy and happiness of 20 and 21 (Christmas and New Years). Nineteen is just a nondescript rest stop between 18 and the wonder that is 20 and 21.

Personally, I love Thanksgiving AND I loved turning 19 but then again I also like Steely Dan (Hey Nineteen? Get it?) . Maybe it is because I don't LOVE love Halloween? Or maybe it is just my personality? (My favorite day of the week is Thursday. Because it reminds me of all of the promise of the weekend.) Or it could be my love of orange and brown....

I spent all day Friday talking about key messaging and target audiences. Come to think of it I spent most of the week talking about marketing and communications. ***If I could advise the old fogeys who blessed me with a degree in the science of politics, I would tell them to add a whole quarter on communications.*** So I have PR on my mind. Plus, there is all of this craziness with the Christmas holiday inching into Thanksgiving's territory (Turf War!!!!). Even my sister is selling out Thanksgiving for the promises of Christmas (Christmas isn't just a disease, it is a dirty addiction that always leaves you hung-over).


Here it is Free of Charge, Thanksgiving's marketing recommendations!

1. Re-think the turkey branding/identity. There aren't many cute turkeys out there. How does an odd looking bird compete with Santa?
2. Maximize on the consumerism. We're American, we love Christmas because we get to spend thousands of dollars. Making a list of what we are thankful for? Where is the consumerism in that exercise?
3. Copyright, trademark and reserve the rights to all Thanksgiving related food. Charge Christmas usage charges and sue for infringement.
4. Creep into October. Halloween doesn't need it all!
5. Let the music carry your message. We have Christmas songs, why don't we have Thanksgiving songs? Nothing puts you in the mood like a little ditty.
6. Demand a full week of vacation... or at least a five-day weekend. Anyone who has ever cooked a Thanksgiving meal for more than 5 people knows that you need a full day to prepare. And everyone will love you for it.
   

Mad love Thanksgiving. Get here soon so we can get you over with and move on to our true love, Christmas.