It certainly does feel different! As we have also gotten farther from family, it is less of an event these says for sure. I also think it has become so much of a commercialized and consumer driven holiday that it has lost the essence of the thought of giving thanks. I am sure that the workers preparing inventory and getting ready for the thousands of consumer fighting over things are not very thankful today. It has turned into a “saving by spending” day in my opinion!
Interesting take on it. You're reminding me of the memes I've seen about not starting Xmas preparations before TG. It's like our country can't find meaning in anything that isn't about spending and acquiring stuff. Maybe there is less of a feeling of the holiday in general.