This year, as with every fourth Thursday in November, families will line the streets of Manhattan to watch Snoopy, Garfield, and all the usual suspects tower over the crowds. And this year, taking up more space than a 1,000-pound gorilla in the proverbial room, some new characters will join the festivities.
Families falling behind on their mortgage payments will delight at the sight of "Foreclosure Freddie," a house-shaped balloon with boards on all the doors and windows.
The 7% of Americans struggling through unemployment will cheer as the "Jobless Jeff" float ambles towards Herald Square, with "Jeff and the Want-Ad-ettes" performing their holiday hit, "Here We Come a' Interviewing."
A giant balloon cruise ship, the U.S.S. AIG, expected to become the largest and most expensive new addition to the parade, will float over the street, reminding Americans how great life is when the taxpayers and goverment carry you above strife.
And last but not least, following Santa's sleigh will be the "Palin 2012" dog-sled, carrying Sarah Palin and her whole brood.
It promises to be a memorable Thanksgiving for us all.