Thanksgiving is a cherished time of year when we pause to express gratitude and give back to our communities. While many of us gather around tables adorned with delicious meals, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the abundance we enjoy and share it with those in need.
This year, North has chosen to celebrate Thanksgiving by donating to three diverse and impactful charities: Movember Foundation, Folds of Honor Foundation, and Feeding America.
The spirit of Thanksgiving is about more than just turkey and cranberry sauce. It’s about recognizing our blessings and extending a helping hand to those who are less fortunate. The Movember Foundation focuses on men’s health issues, including mental health and cancer, while Folds of Honor Foundation provides scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled service members.
Feeding America works tirelessly to combat hunger across the nation. By supporting these organizations, we can ensure that the essence of North’s values, including gratitude and generosity, reaches even further.
Kari Lawry, Chief People Officer at North says, “At North, we believe true success is shared success. This Thanksgiving, we're channeling our gratitude into action, making sure our abundance fuels hope and health across our communities. We want to make this season about impact, not just reflection!"
In recent decades, the transition from Thanksgiving's celebration of abundance to the consumer-driven excitement of Black Friday has become a hallmark of the holiday season.
Originating in the 1980s, Black Friday quickly developed into one of the busiest shopping days of the year, with retailers offering enticing deals and promotions. While Black Friday brings a whirlwind of shopping opportunities, Thanksgiving remains a cherished time to slow down, relax, and recharge.
It's a day devoted to enjoying the company of family and friends, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories.
Balancing these two contrasting events can enhance our appreciation of both. On Thanksgiving, it's valuable to set intentions and reflect on gratitude, ensuring the day remains focused on rest and connection.
Prioritizing time with family and creating meaningful traditions can help maintain the spirit of Thanksgiving amidst the commercial rush of the following day. As Black Friday approaches, mindful shopping can help keep the focus on smart, intentional purchases rather than impulsive spending.
As we move from the warmth and gratitude of Thanksgiving to the excitement of Black Friday, while the transition can feel jarring, these two occasions actually complement each other beautifully. Thanksgiving allows us to reflect and appreciate the abundance in our lives, while Black Friday offers a chance to enjoy the thrill of finding great deals and perhaps even starting on holiday shopping. By maintaining a focus on gratitude and generosity, we can enjoy both days to the fullest and ensure they enhance our holiday experience.
North is a leading financial technology company that builds innovative, frictionless end-to-end payment solutions designed to simplify and grow businesses of all sizes. From the front door, to the back office, the developer world, and partnerships that expand the payments landscape, North offers proactive, comprehensive merchant services, in-house processing, and more.
