Native Americans Feel Left Out at Thanksgiving

Among the millions of families celebrating Thanksgiving this week are many Native Americans who see it as a time to come together and give thanks, but some are reminding their fellow citizens that there is very little understanding of indigenous peoples' history in the U.S., and that the path to reconciliation is still a long one to walk.

"It feels like our Native community is an old grandmother, who has a very large and very beautiful house. And years ago, some people came into our house, and locked us upstairs in the bedroom. Today, our house is full of people. They are sitting on our furniture, they are eating our food, they are having a party in our house. They've even come upstairs and unlocked the door to our bedroom, but it's much later, and we're tired, we're old, we're weak, we're sick, and so we can't, or we don't come out," reflects Mark Charles, a speaker and writer located on the Navajo Reservation in Fort Defiance, Ariz., in a video posted earlier this year titled "Being Native American in the US."

"But the thing that is most painful, is that virtually no one comes upstairs to find the grandmother in the bedroom. Nobody sits down next to us on the bed, and simply says: 'Thank you. Thank you, for letting us be in your house.'"

While some commentaries on Native Americans and Thanksgiving, such as a 2010 article by News Junkie, describe the holiday as "celebrating the genocide of Native Americans" and recall the long and bloody war history between colonialists and indigenous people, Charles shared in a phone interview with The Christian Post on Tuesday that he and his family celebrate Thanksgiving much like most other American families.

"It's a holiday that I see many Native Americans participating in and using it as a time to gather family and friends and remember to be thankful. But I also agree that there is a large part of our history as a nation that often gets ignored," he began, and noted that many people have heard or been told some version of the myth of the first Thanksgiving, of how a meal was supposedly shared between native tribes and some of the first pilgrims.

Charles, the son of an American woman of Dutch heritage and a Navajo man, is deeply involved in both Native American and Christian issues – he has worked on various projects with the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, the Christian Reformed World Missions, Sojourners, Emerging Voices Project, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Campus Crusade; and he is a board member on the Christian Community Development Association and the Christian Reformed Church of North America.

He told CP that Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays that provides people an opportunity to gain a little bit of awareness of the indigenous population, which today numbers over 5 million the U.S., but there is still very little understanding of the history of systemic injustices that have occurred.

As for the metaphor of the grandmother in the bedroom, Charles said that it has been a very successful tool and a starting point of conversation in many of his speaking engagements, both in native communities and non-native settings.

"I think it's very important for Native Americans – often we feel like guests in someone else's house, when the reality is we are the host people of this land. The starting point that I'm looking for is for Native communities to see themselves in the role of the hosts of this land, and the rest of the nation to understand in real practical and tangible ways that they are guests in someone else's house," he explained.

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Thanksgiving: Its Origins and Its Lessons

By Richard Land/Christian Post Executive Editor

This is the week that Americans from coast to coast cease their work-a-day activities and gather with friends and loved ones for "Thanksgiving." This is a time-honored ritual, observed by the overwhelming majority of the American population. What are the origins of this celebration and what meaning should it have for Americans today?

Thanksgiving is a combination of two long-standing traditions in Anglo-American civilization: the joyous harvest festival and the more somber declaration of a day of prayer or thanksgiving in the midst of some national crisis.

The origin of the present American Thanksgiving, at least spiritually and emotionally, harkens back to the 1621 observation of a thanksgiving and harvest celebration by the Plymouth settlers in Massachusetts.

These English Pilgrims left Plymouth, England on September 6, 1620 for the New World. After a little more than two months at sea, they landed in what is now Massachusetts. After signing the "Mayflower Compact" – the first document to introduce self-government to the New World – they disembarked to face the harsh New England winter.

Unprepared for the brutal and unforgiving environment they faced, half the settlers died before winter's end. However, with the help of Native Americans, they planted crops and reaped a sufficient harvest to carry them through the second winter in the New World. It was now clear they would not starve. So these seventeenth century Christian Pilgrims held a feast of thanksgiving to God for His beneficence and favor. The three-day celebration commenced on December 13, 1621 and included many of their Native American neighbors who had been so hospitable and helpful to their new European neighbors.

Pilgrim Edward Winslow drew the following portrait of this first Pilgrims' Thanksgiving:

Our harvest being gathered in, our Governor sent four men on Fouling [bird hunting] so that we might, after a special manner, rejoice together after we had gathered the first fruit of our labors. They four in one day killed as much foul as . . . served the company almost a week. . . . Many of the Indians [came] amongst us and . . . their greatest King, Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted; and they went out and killed five deer, which they brought. . . . BY THE GOODNESS OF GOD WE ARE . . . FAR FROM WANT.

In 1777, in the midst of the American Revolution, the first "official" national Thanksgiving celebration was declared by the new nation that had declared its independence the year before. In October 1789, the head of the recently founded new Federal government, George Washington, issued the first presidential thanksgiving proclamation as a day for giving thanks to that "great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. . . ."

President Washington went on to declare that Both Houses of Congress asked him "to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. . . ."

President Abraham Lincoln was the second president closely identified with Thanksgiving. There had been repeated calls for a national Thanksgiving Day observance in the thirty years before the Civil War, and in 1863 President Lincoln declared a national Day of Thanksgiving. President Lincoln made his declaration in the darkest days of the Civil War, in the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863) and just days after visiting the haunting, still battle scarred battlefield at Gettysburg where he had delivered the timeless Gettysburg address.

In 1941 as the war clouds of World War II gathered ominously over the land, Congress permanently established Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of each November as a national holiday.

Thanksgiving has been part of our national story from our Puritan forefathers onward. Clearly, even in the darkest of days, during the Revolution, the Civil War, and a long World War, American have felt the need to pause and thank their God for His blessings and to invoke His protection and watch-care over our nation.

As we look around us, most Americans, at least those who are religious, understand that God has blessed their nation in incomparable and manifest ways. And blessings, it must be remembered, are "blessings" because they are unearned and undeserved.

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. To me it is the most "American" of holidays because for whatever reason, God has blessed us as a nation in unique and wonderful ways. When one looks at American history, one cannot help but come to the conclusion that more than fortuitous circumstance has been at work – no one could be that "lucky." No, God has blessed us and protected us in unique ways, and Americans of religious faith should take the occasion to give thanks to God for His blessings and His bounty.

As a Christian, I encourage all fellow Christians to undertake a spiritual exercise this Thanksgiving holiday. The Apostle Paul commanded us as Christians to "in everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thess. 5:18). I promise you that when you start giving thanks to God for the blessings in your life, God will keep calling new blessings to mind, and you will find that there are so many more things to be thankful for than you imagined. As you are obedient to this apostolic commandment, God will create in you an even more grateful heart and the grateful heart is the contented and peaceful heart. So, this Thanksgiving, I pray His peace be with all of you. God bless!

Pope Attacks Capitalism; "Idolatry of Money"

Pope Francis called for renewal of the Roman Catholic Church and attacked unfettered capitalism as "a new tyranny," urging global leaders to fight poverty and growing inequality in the first major work he has authored alone as pontiff.

The 84-page document, known as an apostolic exhortation, amounted to an official platform for his papacy, building on views he has aired in sermons and remarks since he became the first non-European pontiff in 1,300 years in March.

In it, Francis went further than previous comments criticizing the global economic system, attacking the "idolatry of money" and beseeching politicians to guarantee all citizens "dignified work, education and health care."

CNBC's Eamon Javers reports that Pope Francis has targeted capitalism in his new papal proclamation, calling unfettered capitalism the "new tyranny."

He also called on rich people to share their wealth. "Just as the commandment 'Thou shalt not kill' sets a clear limit in order to safeguard the value of human life, today we also have to say 'thou shalt not' to an economy of exclusion and inequality. Such an economy kills," Francis wrote in the document issued on Tuesday.

"How can it be that it is not a news item when an elderly homeless person dies of exposure, but it is news when the stock market loses 2 points?"

The pope said renewal of the Church could not be put off and said the Vatican and its entrenched hierarchy "also need to hear the call to pastoral conversion."

Time for a 'new' capitalism?

Digging into some of the rules of "progressive capitalism," with Cambridge University Chancellor Lord David Sainsbury. He discusses whether he expects pushback on the push for reform.

"I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security," he wrote.

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Medicaid Enrollment in S.C. Expected to Jump 16 Percent

Like half the states, South Carolina chose not to expand Medicaid under the federal health law next year, citing the program’s high costs and inefficiency.

Yet state officials still forecast a 16 percent enrollment jump by the end of June, 2015, triple that of a typical year and even higher than the 12 percent average increase expected in states that are expanding eligibility.

What’s going on?

South Carolina officials say publicity for the Affordable Care Act and its requirement that most people get insurance will attract tens of thousands of people who are currently eligible for Medicaid but have not enrolled.

“The awareness component is huge,” said Tony Keck, the state’s Medicaid director.

The state has recently revamped its enrollment process for Medicaid, the state-federal health care program for low-income residents. It is now actively trying to enroll more of those who are eligible for its benefits. South Carolina has opened an online enrollment system, added 20 positions to its call center and used government databases of people who qualify for food stamps to identify those eligible for Medicaid.

Full Story Here

Some States Ban Shopping on Thanksgiving

Shoppers won't be lining up for Thanksgiving Day deals at stores in Rhode Island, Maine and Massachusetts. They can't.

It's the legacy of so-called "blue laws," which prohibit large supermarkets, big box stores and department stores from opening on Thanksgiving. Some business groups complain, but many shoppers, workers and even retailers say they're satisfied with a one-day reprieve from work and holiday shopping.

Some business groups complain it's an unnecessary barrier during an era of 24-hour online shopping, and there have been some recent failed legislative attempts to change things. But many shoppers, workers and even retailers say they're satisfied with the status quo: a one-day reprieve from work and holiday shopping.

"I shop all year. People need to be with their families on Thanksgiving," said Debra Wall, of Pawtucket, R.I., who will remain quite happily at home Thursday, cooking a meal for 10.

The holiday shopping frenzy has crept deeper than ever into Thanksgiving this year. Macy's, J.C. Penney and Staples will open on Thanksgiving for the first time. Toys R Us will open at 5 p.m., and Wal-Mart, already open 24 hours in many locations, will start holiday deals at 6 p.m., two hours earlier than last year. In recent years, some retail employees and their supporters have started online petitions to protest stores that open on Thanksgiving — but shoppers keep coming.

Bill Rennie, vice president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, said many shoppers are crossing into border states that allow Thanksgiving shopping, including Connecticut, Vermont, New York or New Hampshire, which is even more alluring because it doesn't have a sales tax.

"Why not give stores in Massachusetts the option?" he said.

The group has backed legislation, which has so far gone nowhere, to roll back the laws and allow stores to open on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

That would include grocery stores, which also must stay closed on the holidays. Woe to the Massachusetts cook who forgets a crucial ingredient or messes up the turkey and is forced to find a replacement at a convenience store. Convenience stores are allowed to open, as are movie theaters, pharmacies, restaurants and some other businesses.

The laws do not prohibit stores from opening at non-traditional hours Friday, and some will open at midnight or 1 a.m., when holiday deals will start.

Full Story Here

IRS Looks at Tax-Exempt Campaigning Groups

The Obama administration Tuesday launched a bid to rein in the use of tax-exempt groups for political campaigning.

The effort is an attempt to reduce the role of loosely regulated big-money political outfits like GOP political guru Karl Rove’s Crossroads GPS and the pro-Obama Priorities USA.

The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department said they want to prohibit such groups from using ‘‘candidate-related political activity’’ like running ads, registering voters or distributing campaign literature as activities that qualify them to be tax-exempt ‘‘social welfare’’ organizations.

The agencies say there will be a lengthy comment period before any regulations will be finalized. That means groups like Crossroads and Priorities USA will be able to collect millions of dollars from anonymous donors ahead of next year’s campaign.

‘‘This proposed guidance is a first critical step toward creating clear-cut definitions of political activity by tax-exempt social welfare organizations,’’ said Mark Mazur, treasury assistant secretary for tax policy. ‘‘We are committed to getting this right before issuing final guidance that may affect a broad group of organizations. It will take time to work through the regulatory process and carefully consider all public feedback as we strive to ensure that the standards for tax-exemption are clear and can be applied consistently.’’

Organized under section 501(c)(4) of the tax code, such groups are able to raise millions of dollars to influence elections. But they can also be small-scale tea party groups, many of which say they were harassed by the IRS after seeking tax exempt status.

Full Story Here

76-Year-Old Targeted Connected to Business

A 76-year-old woman killed in a shootout was targeted because of large sums of money she carried in connection to a business she worked at, the Anderson County sheriff says.

Anderson County deputies say they executed a search warrant at Dorothy Hendrix's workplace.  They confiscated 15 illegal gambling machines from 3454 Cinema Center in Anderson Tuesday afternoon.

Family members tell deputies that Hendrix, who was killed in an exchange of gunfire at her home on Rayben Lane, was involved in the day-to-day operations at the business and often returned home in the early morning house with large sums of money.  

Read more: http://www.wyff4.com/news/local-news/anderson-news/authorities-seize-illegal-gambling-machines-from-homicide-victims-workplace/-/9654706/23169604/-/14e5ivr/-/index.html#ixzz2lqAxEhZe

'Tis the Season for Classic Holiday Shows

With less than a month to go before Christmas, the airwaves are going to start filling up with holiday specials, new movies and classics.

The magic starts tonight with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at 8 on CBS. But it's just the beginning.

Here is an abbreviated list of some of our favorite movies and when they're running between now and Dec. 25 (courtesy TV Guide and the networks):

8 p.m. Tuesday, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, CBS

8 p.m. Thursday, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, ABC

8:30 p.m. Friday, The Elf on the Shelf, CBS

8 p.m. Saturday, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, ABC

5 p.m. Sunday, The Polar Express, ABC Family

8 p.m. Monday, A Charlie Brown Christmas, ABC

10 p.m. Dec. 3, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, ABC Family

9 p.m. Dec. 5, The Muppet Christmas Carol, ABC Family

8 p.m. Dec. 6, Frosty the Snowman, CBS

8 and 10:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Home Alone, AMC

8 p.m. Dec. 9, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, ABC

8 p.m. Dec. 14, It's a Wonderful Life, NBC

8 p.m. Dec. 16, Disney Prep & Landing, ABC

8:30 p.m. Dec. 24, Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas, ABC

8 p.m. Dec. 24, It's a Wonderful Life, NBC

All-day marathon Dec. 25, A Christmas Story, TBS

For the full list of holiday programming from TV Guide, click this link.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2013/11/26/3123851/when-are-classic-holiday-christmas.html#storylink=cpy

High Court to Tackle Obamacare Contraception Requirement

The Supreme Court, taking up a controversial provision of Obamacare, agreed Tuesday to consider whether a company can refuse to provide contraceptive care to female employees on the grounds that doing so would violate its religious freedom.

It’s a question the Supreme Court has never answered: Does a for-profit company have the right to object to a law on religious grounds?

“This case presents, front and center for the justices to decide, a question that’s been open for a long time: Do companies, not just people and churches, have religious freedom?” said Tom Goldstein, a Supreme Court expert and publisher of the SCOTUSblog website.

The court’s action comes at a time when public support for the Obamacare law, officially known as the Affordable Care Act, is declining due to problems with the website and confusion over whether people can keep existing health insurance policies.

The justices agreed to dive into a dispute over a provision of the law that has generated dozens of lawsuits nationwide — the requirement that private companies provide contraceptive care to their female employees.

The challenge comes from Hobby Lobby Stores, an Oklahoma company with more than 500 arts-and-crafts stores and more than 13,000 full-time employees. The business is run by founder David Green of Oklahoma City and five members of his family.

“We believe wholeheartedly that it is by God’s grace and provision that Hobby Lobby has been successful. Therefore we seek to honor Him in all that we do,” Green said.

All Hobby Lobby stores close on Sundays, for example. To avoid promoting alcohol, the company does not sell shot glasses.

Green family members say they believe that providing insurance coverage for two types of morning-after pills and two kinds of intrauterine devices would make them complicit in practicing abortions.

They filed a lawsuit claiming that fully complying with the contraceptive mandate in the health care law would violate their religious freedom.

Failing to follow the law, which covers companies that employ more than 50 people, would cost Hobby Lobby at least $1.3 million a day in fines, or almost $475 million a year, the company says.

The Greens “must either violate their faith by covering the mandated contraceptives or pay crippling fines that would destroy their livelihood,” they argued in legal briefs submitted in the case.

Boston Brass to Deck the Halls at Clemson's Brooks Center

Celebrate the holiday season with the Boston Brass and the Brass All-Stars Big Band: “Christmas Bells are Swingin’” at 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, at Clemson University’s Brooks Center for the Performing Arts.

For 26 years, Boston Brass has set out to establish a one-of-a-kind musical experience. From classical arrangements to jazz standards, the ensemble treats audiences to a unique brand of entertainment for all ages.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets and information are available at www.clemson.edu/Brooks or by calling the box office at 864-656-7787 from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Scotland Files Landmark Document for Freedom from Britain

Raising the stakes in its struggle for independence in advance of a referendum next year, the Scottish government on Tuesday unveiled a voluminous prospectus for a new state with its own embassies and identity, but retaining significant bonds to Britain including a common currency — the pound — and allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.

The new nation would strike out on its own in defense and its relationship with Europe, expelling British nuclear submarines from their current Scottish bases and seeking separate membership inNATO and the 28-nation European Union.

“Following a vote for independence we would make early agreement on the speediest safe removal of nuclear weapons a priority,” the 670-page document said.

Its publication, 10 months before a referendum on Sept. 18, seemed designed to encourage greater support among Scotland’s five million people, many of whom, according to opinion surveys, are undecided or opposed to independence — a step that would end more than 300 years of union reshape the political landscape north and south of the border with the rest of Britain.

The latest survey in The Sunday Times of London said 47 percent of Scottish voters were opposed to leaving the United Kingdom, 38 percent were in favor and 15 percent were undecided.

“If we vote no, Scotland stands still,” the document said. “A once-in-a-generation opportunity to follow a different path, and choose a new and better direction for our nation, is lost. Decisions about Scotland would remain in the hands of others.”

But approval would mean that “the most important decisions about our economy and society will be taken by the people who care most about Scotland, that is by the people of Scotland.”

“The door will open to a new era for our nation. Scotland’s future will be in Scotland’s hands,” it said. Scottish leaders have already said they want independence to come on March 24, 2016 — a historic date commemorating key steps in the fusion of England and Scotland centuries ago.

The drive for independence has been led by Alex Salmond, the head of the Scottish National Party that dominates the Scottish authority which has its own government and Parliament under longstanding constitutional measures to grant limited powers to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Mr. Salmond called the proposal “a mission statement and a prospectus for the kind of country we should be and which this government believes we can be.”

“Our vision is of an independent Scotland regaining its place as an equal member of the family of nations. However, we do not seek independence as an end in itself, but rather as a means to changing Scotland for the better,” he told a ceremony in Glasgow to unveil the document.

The document said an independent Scotland — a proposal opposed by the major political parties in England — would retain the British pound in a “sterling zone” with other components of the United Kingdom. “The pound is Scotland’s currency just as much as it is the rest of the U.K.'s,” the document said.

That notion was immediately challenged by British politicians who said Scottish leaders could not simply assume that the government in London would agree.

Full Story Here

Flurries, Cold Move into Area

If you thought you saw snow this morning - you did! Scattered flurries have been reported across Anderson in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday.

Meanwhile n ice storm warning has been issued for parts of the region, and much of the rest of the area will be under a winter storm watch.

There is an ice storm warning in effect from midnight Monday until noon Tuesday for Avery, Yancey, Mitchell counties and the mountains in Burke and McDowell counties.

Click HERE for up to date closings information.

Hazardous conditions are expected in much of the Blue Ridge Mountains and in the N.C. foothills.  Travel during the storm is discouraged.

• To see the latest alerts and advisories, click here.

Freezing rain will develop by late Monday evening and the freezing rain will continue until morning.  Ice accumulation of up to a third of an inch is expected, and will likely lead to snapped power lines and falling tree branches.

Driving will be treacherous in the warning area through Tuesday morning, and motorists are strongly considered to delay travel until after the storm conditions improve.

• To see the predictions of how the big storm system will affect holiday travel, click here.

The National Weather Service has also issued a freezing rain advisory for 9 p.m. Monday until 9 a.m. Tuesday for Georgia mountains, as well as the North Carolina foothills

Light ice accumulations up to a tenth of an inch of ice is possible in the advisory area.

Locations along the Blue Ridge could see higher amounts, the NWS said.

Clouds will increase Monday as moisture moves in from the Gulf of Mexico.

Whether there will be rain, freezing rain or snow will depend on when the moisture from the south collides with the cold air in place over the region.

Rain and freezing rain will likely start across the mountains Monday night leading to travel problems.

Ice is also possible in the Upstate with a slight glaze of ice on elevated surfaces by Tuesday morning, but widespread travel problems are not expected.

Freezing rain will change over to rain everywhere by Tuesday mid-morning.

The rain will be heavy through the day Tuesday into Tuesday night with 2-3 inches  possible.

Early Wednesday morning, the rain is expected to begin to change to snow for the mountains and will continue into Wednesday evening where 2-3 inches is possible in the northern mountains, and 1-2 inches possible in the southern mountains below 3,500 feet.

It is possible the northern part of the Upstate could see some snow showers Wednesday evening, but no accumulation is expected. 

Read more: http://www.wyff4.com/news/local-news/greenville-news/winter-storm-watch-issued/-/9654794/23136822/-/qxunu4/-/index.html#ixzz2lkPoQYco

Dealnews: What Not to Buy on Black Friday

With all the 2013 Black Friday ad leaks and sneak peeks we've unearthed in the past few weeks, this season's shopping extravaganza is looking ripe with deals and discounts for all. But even though many product categories will see new all-time low prices, not everything is at its lowest price on Black Friday. In fact, there are 13 items you definitely shouldn't buy on November 29. This baker's dozen of goods — including toys and brand-name TVs as well as international airfare and digital cameras — will mostly see better discounts in December and the new year.

Toys

We've said it many times already, and we'll say it once more: Black Friday is not the best time to buy toys for the holidays. Many will likely see discounts on Black Friday, and it may feel pretty good to get your shopping done early, but you won't love the sinking feeling you'll get when you see the same toys for even less about two weeks before Christmas.

Game Consoles Without a Bundled Item

Speaking of toys, if you're looking to buy a video game console this holiday, you'll get more bang for your buck by opting for a console deal that includes a few extras. In years past, the vast majority of Editors' Choice console deals consisted of holiday bundles that included premium accessories and two or three game titles. These were frequently discounted 30% to 40% off their retail prices.

A note about next-gen consoles: Unfortunately, we don't expect to see any discounts on the new Xbox One or PlayStation 4 this holiday, bundled or not. However, because these consoles are in high demand and will sell out quickly, we consider just finding one at list price — even if it doesn't come bundled with a game or controller — to be a "deal."

Brand-Name HDTVs

Black Friday is an excellent time to buy a new TV, as we predict a variety of size categories will hit their lowest price points. But don't expect the best deals to be tagged with name brands. Typically, the rock-bottom prices apply to third-tier manufacturers; brand-name TVs tend to see their best price of the year in late December as manufacturers look to clear stock before revealing 2014 models.

DSLR Cameras

There's no shortage of digital camera deals around Black Friday, but premium current-generation cameras are just a few months away from being replaced by a new line of 2014 models. If you're eyeing a brand new digital SLR, we recommend waiting until after CES and into February for 2014 cameras to become "old," and thus receive aggressive discounts from retailers.

Winter Apparel

On Black Friday, we'll likely see some of the best apparel coupons of the year from a variety of retailers. However, if a new coat or jacket is on your list, it's smarter to hold off until January when winter apparel is added to clearance sales that will receive much deeper base discounts. We will inevitably find additional stacking coupons then too, which make end-of-season sales even better for your wallet.

Christmas Decorations

While not typically on anyone's "To Buy on Black Friday" list, Christmas decor tends to end up in-cart on impulse buys. Sure, that string of lights or holiday wreath might be on sale, but deals on Christmas items get better the closer we get to the holiday itself — and of course the best deals appear after the holiday. Last year, we listed the Musical Charlie Brown Christmas Tree in early November for $19 shipped. On Black Friday it fell to $15 shipped. By Christmas Eve it was available for $9 at Kmart.

Exercise Equipment

For those of you looking to get a leg up on any fitness New Year's resolutions, you should resolve to wait to buy any fitness equipment. During Black Friday weekend 2012, we listed just two Editors' Choice fitness deals, while December and January each saw more than five times that amount on a variety of gear including heart rate monitors, ab machines, ellipticals, and yoga equipment.

Jewelry and Watches

We're flagging this category "Do Not Buy" for the entire holiday season. Much like Christmas items, there will be lots of sales advertising shiny, metallic objects perfect for him and her. But the discounts on jewelry around the winter holidays are no better than those around Valentine's Day, when baubles are at their most in-demand. Last year, we posted just four Editors' Choice watch deals and three Editors' Choice jewelry deals from Black Friday through Cyber Monday.

Apple iPad mini with Retina

The stylish second-generation iPad mini with Retina will set you back the same amount as an iPad 2 ($399), and if the iPad mini Retina follows the price pattern as its predecessor, it won't see a 10% discount until several months from now. While there's an off-chance that an attention-seeking retailer could offer an iPad mini Retina Black Friday deal, the original, first-generation iPad mini is a better buy this holiday season: the Apple Store has already discounted its retail price to $299, and it could drop to as low as $269 in the coming months.

Kindle HDX

For the past two years, no newly-released Kindle Fire HD tablet has seen any significant discounts on Black Friday, and we expect that to continue with the HDX. That said, we have seen rumored ads for the previous-generation slates that would drop both the 7" and 8.9" models to all-time low prices. And while that's mostly unheard of for Black Friday, it's unlikely that the newest model to the Fire lineup will join the ranks.

Bedding & Blankets

While we don't know anyone who doesn't appreciate a seasonal throw blanket, we don't recommend giving them as gifts this year unless you've got a stock of them in the closet from last season. Not only does holiday decor get cheaper after the holiday in question, but bedding and blankets fall to their lowest prices of the year come January and February during "White Sales," which have been a colorful tradition since the 1950s.

Wine & Specialty Foods

Perhaps better received than throw blankets, gift baskets and wine subscriptions are especially popular during the holidays. But as the giver, you'll get a better deal on specialty foods (i.e. Omaha Steak gift bundles, fruit baskets, and assorted baked goods) if you wait until December; last year we saw twice as many Editors' Choice deals close to Christmas than around Thanksgiving.

International Airfare

If you have your sights set on a trip to California or Florida, by all means purchase airfare around Black Friday and even closer to Christmas; last year we saw up to 50% off coupons from Frontier, JetBlue, and Virgin America. However, if it's an international getaway you're after, we advise you to hold off on booking your flight until the new year. Last year we saw zero Editors' Choice airfare deals between Thanksgiving and New Year's. But in the first two months of the year, Air Canada offered the lowest base rate we'd seen for flights to Toronto; JetBlue took 80% off select flights to the Caribbean; and Lufthansa offered roundtrip fares to Europe for $471.

While we advise against purchasing the above products around Black Friday, keep in mind that nothing is written in stone, and we may still see some stellar deals within these categories; however, it's more likely that we'll encounter so-so offers, so it's best to temper your expectations.

But enough about what you shouldn't buy on Black Friday! Check out our complete Black Friday predictions to see what's good to purchase around our favorite shopping holiday. Then, consider signing up for an email alert so you know immediately when the items of your choice are listed on DealNews.