You can quote me saying, “I don’t buy anything unless it’s on sale.” I think it’s great when companies have big sales because you can save so much money and pay closer to the amount of the value that the product is actually worth. One of the biggest sales of the year is Black Friday. People are willing to fight other people, wait outside in the cold for hours on end and pack the stores just to get a great deal. It is quite comical for some that don’t participate and quite intense for those who do. I’m all for Black Friday and people saving money but I have a problem with Black Friday starting early.
Some stores have begun to open early on Thanksgiving day for Black Friday; some are open all day starting as early as 12:01 a.m., while others don’t open until 6 p.m. Many are still closed all day on Thanksgiving and won’t open until Friday, though. People don’t want to miss out on the deals, so they will skip Thanksgiving dinner to go wait in line for the items they want to buy.
Thanksgiving is a day devoted to spending time with loved ones and being grateful for them and the things you already have. It is also arguably one of the best holidays because you get to stuff your face with delicious food (no judgement), watch football and spend time with family. Thanksgiving holds some of my fondest memories and is a holiday I always look forward to!
However, the fact that certain stores are opening early for Black Friday is undermining the holiday. We, as Americans, are telling stores and our loved ones that we value material possessions more than time with our loved ones. I guarantee your family members and children will remember the good times they spent with you far longer than they will remember the toys you gave them for Christmas because you were able to get them on sale.
Stores are only opening early on Thursday because they see that it is profitable for them to do so. By shopping on Thursday, you’re supporting them opening Thursday and encouraging people to skip Thanksgiving. If more people don’t shop on Thursday, then stores will see it is better for them to open on Friday.
Spend this holiday with your family and give them the gift of your time. There will come a day when you wish that you had more time to spend with them, but sadly you cannot have it. There are no Black Friday sales for more time in life to cherish your family members and show them how much you love and care for them. There are no Black Friday deals on laughter and memories. Time is a precious resource, so spend it wisely this Thanksgiving.
