by Anita Welty

Some retailers prefer to keep Thanksgiving separate from Christmas by withholding all Christmas merchandise and décor from the store until the weekend after Thanksgiving Day.

In such cases, an after-Thanksgiving sale is a perfect time to mark down and move out all remaining Thanksgiving items, while simultaneously introducing new Christmas merchandise.

Once all Thanksgiving-specific products have been removed from the store, it can be instantly transformed for Christmas with the simple addition of decorated wreaths, seasonal merchandise and in-store music.

However, stores that don't wish to wait until after Thanksgiving to begin stocking Christmas products may want to incorporate new Christmas items into Thanksgiving displays, blending the two holidays.

These stores can embrace a theme of "Giving Thanks for the Savior's Birth," and simply adding a sign with this sentiment can make a strong statement while highlighting the reason for both seasons.

If your church decides to go the route of Thanksgiving care packages for the local community, the church bookstore is an ideal location for a book, Bible and tract drive for the needy. These products could then be included in a gift basket or given away at an outreach event.

Develop a list of appropriate book titles, including prices, and encourage church members to purchase them for donation. Some stores may even wish to donate Thanksgiving products such as gift books, children's books and coloring books.

Above all, prayer is the key that can unlock the hearts of the lost and needy this Thanksgiving. Many church bookstores may discover a new opportunity for ministry—one that is worthy of eternal thanks to God.

- Anita Welty, a freelance writer, was involved in Christian retail management for more than 17 years.

- Read the complete article at http://www.thechurchbookstore.com/a.php?ArticleID=15994.

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