Today is Small Business Saturday, but I am continuing my stay-at-home weekend, knitting and eating leftovers. I am passionate about supporting small business, but I do support them throughout the year, so I feel okay about staying in today. We have many wonderful shops in our beautiful little downtown, and I frequent the tea store, the bird store, the cupcake store -- smile -- the family owned jewelry store (for special occasions and repairs), and many more, including an antique and craft mall. I'd rather spend a little more and do my part to keep these wonderful little stores afloat. It's my small way of saying "no" to the big corporate takeover of individual entrepreneurs. I'm paid back with personal service, great conversation, and a sense of community. I highly recommend it.

But today I am working on a scarf that I'm going to donate to a local women's shelter. I'm a pretty beginner knitter, but I am trying to make as beautiful a scarf as I can. I won't donate anything that isn't the best I can do. Any mistakes are fixed, and made perfect. I think it's important to donate the best we have, not ripped or dirty or expired (in the case of food) items.

My mother-in-law once donated a number of beautiful suits to a local church rummage sale. She had them all professionally dry-cleaned before she donated them! She was told just to "throw them in that pile over there" when she went to drop them off. She refused, insisting that they be properly hung up. My own mother makes sure everything she donates is mended, if needed, and washed and folded nicely.

We show our respect when we do these things. We don't give away food that is expired or that we don't like. We give away the best we have. I try and remember this as I knit today, and make a scarf that I would want to wear, and even will feel some regret giving up.

It's Black Friday and I am happily ensconced in my favorite old chair next to a bright, cheerful fire. No shopping for me today. It's been a day for knitting and reading and eating apple pie. And pumpkin pie cake. And leftover stuffing, my favorite.

My husband put up the Christmas tree this afternoon, and hundreds of tiny white lights are sparkling in the dimly lit family room. My only real exertion has been to get up and throw another log on the fire. I'm so thankful I can stay home, and relax after all the cooking and cleaning of the past few days. It's especially wonderful to have our youngest home from college.

I know there are lots of good deals out there, but I will go without. Being home with my family and a hot cup of tea versus standing in line for the Next Big Thing at the local big box store? No contest.