Yep, it’s that time of year yet again – the start to the holiday season, when trick-or-treating turns to turkey with all the trimmings followed by a tree full of tinsel or a twinkling menorah.

Many across Central New York will now turn an eye to the extensive preparation that goes into planning those few days where it all comes together – the décor, the food, the gifts and, of course, friends and family that go along with the celebration of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkah.

And, yet again, I will prepare for my seasonal tradition…Black Friday. Through the years my preparation has evolved from merely glancing through the advertisements in the Thanksgiving paper to a strategic plan of where to go for what item and when. Visiting internet sites, comparing prices and figuring out what store opens first are all part of this master plan.

As my strategy firms up, so too has it changed its focus. When my children were younger, my list consisted of toys, toys and more toys, with the necessary socks and clothes thrown in for good measure. Without giving too much away in case my children should happen to read this, my list of places to visit on Black Friday does not even include Toys R Us this year – a first.

Sure, there are items that will be on my list that can be found at that store with a giraffe for a spokesperson, but those items can be found at stores that have the other, “non-toy” gifts as well. I think it is safe to say that Fisher Price and Playskool will not be brands found under the tree. Instead there may be some Nike, Nintendo and Justice (a brand known by any parent of a “tween” girl.)

This year I also hope my children will appreciate even more the less commercial aspects of the season – the story of the first Christmas and what it means to us as well as what I think are the best moments of the season – conversation with loved ones around the Thanksgiving table, the baking of cookies to share with friends and family and the beauty of a chorus of voices raised in song on Christmas Eve. I do believe that as they grow older they will learn that these are the true gifts of Christmas, not the shiny, beribboned boxes to be found under the tree.