What does Thanksgiving mean to consumers? No surprise -- it's just that day before the biggest shopping day of the year. And if you didn't notice, the rush began earlier than ever. Two weeks before Halloween, we saw the red and green mixing with the orange and brown.

This year, major retailers are focusing their holiday messages/taglines around family togetherness, being at home, and sharing. Don't mention the "C" word. While believers worry that terming the season "holidays" takes the religious heart out of it all, inclusiveness is an order of the multicultural, multifaceted, multi-identity day. Wal-Mart is "Home for the Holidays," while Target will "Gather Round" and there will be "No Place Like Lowe's for the Holidays (Believe, Cherish, Wish, Create)."

After a year of eyepopping gas prices, Hurricane Katrina, and more, checking in with friends and family is top of mind, whatever you want to call this time of year.