If you’re a loyal reader, I’m sure you know – I love a good deal. Which is why it might surprise some of you that I have decided to boycott Black Friday and the in-store “deals” this year. Here’s why…
I am a strong believer in the importance of family. For me, holidays are one of the few times throughout the year where I get to see my extended family. I love having the chance to catch up with all of my cousins, aunts, uncles and other family members.
But over the last few years, I’ve noticed something happening at Thanksgiving. Instead of talking to each other about exciting things happening in our lives, the focus seems to have shifted more and more on the next day – Black Friday. Where are you shopping? What time are you going? What deals are you hoping to get?
Thanksgiving is a day to be grateful for everything you are blessed with in life. It is not a day for devising shopping strategies. And then heading to bed early so you can get up before the sun to save a couple bucks.
And yes, I understand that everyone has different views on holidays. Maybe your family doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving, which is totally fine. But your decision to shop in the wee hours of the next morning affect people other than just you.
There are the college kids, home for just a few days, who have to give up valuable family time to go stand behind the register for you. And I speak from experience in saying that many retailers make Black Friday a mandatory day for all employees.
There are the high schoolers who, instead of enjoying a nice school break, have to head to the mall to fold the clothes and stock the shelves that you’re just going to mess up five minutes later.
There are the store managers with young children who have to hire babysitters so they can deal with any issues with pricing or customers misreading the sale signs.
And in some places, there are the police officers who have to work details at the malls and shopping centers in order to ensure that no one gets out of hand. These men and women already work tirelessly to keep your city safe and now they have to work overtime for crowd control.
I understand – a good deal is hard to pass up. But when you look at the bigger picture, are you really costing yourself and others more than you’re actually saving?
Instead of giving in to the commercial madness, I’ll be spending next Friday morning at home with my parents, boyfriend, dog and new kitten (!!). Sure, I’ll probably browse online for a good sale or two, but that’s not different than any other day for me!
Take the time to enjoy the time with your family and give others the same chance. You never know how much time you have with your loved ones, so make the most of it, especially during the holiday season.
Broke But Loving It 