BLACK FRIDAY, EMPTY HEARTS:

Retailers hope it will put them in the black in the midst of a shakey (to say the least) economy.Clerks in stores regard it as black for other, more obvious, reasons.Shopper--at least the serious variety--look on today in much the same way that Ike surveyed Normandy on D-Day. Black Friday speaks volumes about what is wrong with our current American Christmas celebration:

• We remember Christmases of long ago with softly falling snow. The problem is the chances are less than 1 in 5 that my area will have a white Christmas, so we try to buy a substitute.
• We think back to a time when we received a gift that warmed our heart, and so we try to buy enough to impress kids who are already jaded by way to much.
• Just moniter yourself. How many times do you find yourself saying "I have to . . ." in relation to the Christmas celebration.

Even though Black Friday will be history by the time many of you read this, maybe there is hope. Buy less and invest more this Christmas. It's STTA.