This year there has been major pushback on the American tradition of Black Friday shopping. While I don't think Black Friday is the worst thing in the world I do see how it symbolizes how out of control consumerism in America has become. Our culture truly has become obsessed with this made-up holiday. After a holiday like Thanksgiving where people are supposed to be sorrounded by loved ones and sharing what they are thankful for, the concept of buying as much as you can because it's on sale does seem a little backwards. I'm very intrigued by stores like REI, Nordstrom, DSW, Costco, TJ Maxx, GameStop, Staples, PetSmart, Pier 1 Import, Patagonia, Marshall, and Home Depot choosing to close their doors on Black Friday instead of supporting the spectacle of people lining up in the middle of the night in the freezing cold for sales. It will be very hard to deter shoppers from participating, but it will be interesting in years to come to see how this Black Friday shopping evolves because of this movement. If you are in support of this new attitude against Black Friday here's a list of ideas for things you can do this Black Friday instead of shopping!
1. Movie marathon: Whether you're in a Christmas classics mood or feeling hopelessly romantic, movie marathons are one of the best ways to spend a cold winter day. Who doesn't love snuggling under blankets while drinking hot chocolate on the couch all day?
2. Ice skating: If you're anything like me you'll spend more time falling than actually skating and wake up the next morning with bruises all over yourself, but still have a blast because the pain is worth it. Grab your significant other, a group of friends, or your family and dig through those boxes in your garage to find your old skates and you're all set.
3. Read that book you've been putting off: That one that you borrowed from a friend and it's been sitting on your shelf for weeks. It's finally time to give yourself a day to curl up with a good book.
4. Plan a road trip: Road trips are a great way to bond with those close to you and it's always awesome to get to explore a nearby city.
5. Play board games and card games: Relive your childhood glory days with some good old-fashioned board games and card games. Be careful though, you might have forgotten how intense and competitive it can get.
6. Arts and crafts: Do a little research on Pinterest and you're all set for a day full of crafting.
7. Go sledding/skiing/snowboarding/tubing: Of course these depend on the weather, but even if it's not snowing, any activity outside is a great way to spend a Friday.
8. Eat leftover Thanksgiving food: Remember Thanksgiving night when you swore you were never gonna eat again? Yeah, that feeling is gone already. It's time to put those leftovers in the microwave and have yourself a second feast.
9. Support local small businesses: I know this is shopping, but it's different from the corporate America Black Friday scheme. The deals these shops offer may not be as great, but they would really appreciate your business especially during the holiday season.
10. Decorate a gingerbread house: It's a family tradition of mine to decorate gingerbread houses together. It's a great way to get in the spirit of Christmas and even have a little friendly competition with it.
11. Plan a Friendsgiving: Getting together with close friends, old and new, can be a great way to extend the feeling of gratitude Thanksgiving creates each year.
12. Take a fitness class: Wanting to start your New Year's Revolution early this year especially after that huge Thanksgiving dinner? A spin class, yoga class, or dance class on Black Friday can be a great way to get started.
13. Put up your Christmas tree: The ULTIMATE way to get into the Christmas mood. Pump the Christmas jams, throw some cookies in the oven, and break out all those boxes of Christmas decorations in your attic. You're finally officially allowed to start being excited for Christmas
14. Volunteer: Look up a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter near your hometown and spend the day volunteering. It is a great way to give back to your community and will help you remember all that you have to be thankful for.
