Thanksgiving is here, and whether you're spending time with family and friends or are far away from home, one thing about the holiday remains the same no matter where you are celebrating. When the clock strikes midnight, stores all over America open their doors for hoards of people who are looking to take advantage of Black Friday deals. Although their stomachs may be full from Thanksgiving dinner, their hungry for a good deal. As someone who loves shopping, and loves Black Friday deals even more, here are some of the reasons NOT to go shopping after Thanksgiving this year, as well as some suggestions for what you could do instead!
It goes against the Thanksgiving holiday spirit.
This is the time of year to reflect on the blessings we have in our lives and on the people who stand beside us. Thanksgiving is meant to be a time for expression of gratitude, sacrifice, and love. However, Black Friday does a wonderful job of wiping away the meaning of the holiday.
You could be spending that time with family and friends.
You took time off work, school, or your other day to day responsibilities to be with people who you might only get to see once a year anyways. Take advantage of the holidays by spending time with them. The mall isn't going anywhere.
You might get trampled by other Black Friday shoppers.
With all of America eager to get the best deals on gifts, electronics, and gadgets, there are always injuries involved in the Black Friday rush. Greed brings out the worst in people, and whether intentional or not, being among such a large crowd of people on such a high stakes night can prove to be dangerous.
You won't be getting that great of a deal
Although the savings may seem great, a lot of stores either mark down the same items before or after the clock strikes midnight. Often times, the items that are on sale would have gone on sale anyways, despite the Black Friday tradition. Also, sales are usually on for the rest of that day, if not into the weekend, especially with the competition of sales from Cyber Monday.
Employees are probably miserable.
Black Friday is every retail worker's least favorite day of the year. With people messing up displays, long lines, and a never ending flow of customers, it might just be easier to give them a break.
Chances are you'll return half the things you bought.
I'm speaking from experience when I say that Black Friday is the impulse buyer's downfall. After spending the whole day checking items off my wish list, I've gone home to see that I didn't actually love the things I bought.
Ethics of fast fashion
Most of the clothing stores with the best deals have questionable ethical practices when it comes to how they pay their laborers and their environmental impact. Although shopping ethically can be challenging and expensive, sitting out the nations biggest commercial weekend could be a step in the right direction towards putting pressure on these companies.
You could save that money for other things.
Instead of blowing your last paycheck on a Black Friday shopping spree, you could save that money to put towards great gifts for your friends and loved ones, that big trip you've been planning for months, or to spend at some of your favorite stores on Cyber Monday.
Work off that Thanksgiving feast.
Get started on your New Years' resolutions early, and hit the gym to burn off all the great Thanksgiving food from the day before.
Indulge in Thanksgiving leftovers!
If you're not a fan of working out, Thanksgiving leftovers can put anyone in a better mood. There's no better way to reward yourself for avoiding Black Friday than with a second helping of the Thanksgiving feast!
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