Thanksgiving Countdown: Day 9

This time of year always brings back tons of memories. One of my favorites is “coupon books.” Every year, on Thanksgiving day, my mom would present each of us with our very own coupon book. These little books were like gold to us. They weren’t complicated. My mom would cut out several pieces of construction paper (about the size of a note card), punch holes on one side, and tie the cards together with ribbon. She would write "Happy Thanksgiving" on the front and decorate it with stickers or something similar.  The first page contained a note from Dad and Mom expressing their gratefulness for us.  Each subsequent page was a coupon that could be redeemed for a special surprise or activity, before the end of December. There was “One day off school,” “One day off chores,” “One special time out with Mom,” “One special time out with Dad,” “A special cooking project” etc. The use of each coupon took intense planning for me. Do I want to have a whole day off of school and chores or do I want to space them out?  Serious stuff. This may seem small, but this tradition is something that I have never forgotten. In fact, I still remember the first Thanksgiving that I didn’t receive a coupon book, because Mom decided I was too old. I informed her that I I could think of plenty of coupon ideas for an 18 year old, but she didn't buy it. And these days, Chad seems to be the only one still receiving coupon books.   

Hmmm…maybe I will have to drop a few hints to Mike.