The camping out, the lines, and the mad dashes all for the sale that has literally taken lives is known as Black Friday. Everyone and their mother is on a mission to find the best sale on clothing, household appliances, and even food. It is a day when ethics, morals, and any shame are thrown out the window as people fight for the last size medium. All of these factors (plus a few more) are reasons that I will forever remain home on Black Friday.

Let’s start off by discussing the irony of this “holiday.” The day before this shopping fiasco, also known as Thanksgiving, is all about giving thanks and reflecting on how blessed we are for the things that we have. Then, Friday comes. Potentially one of the most materialistic days of the year, people will do whatever it takes to beat the person next to them to secure a product when the gates to a store open. The point is, we go from being so thankful and humbled for the people around us and things that we have, to complete insanity and disregard for how materialistic the holiday actually is. Really, are you going to curse and hit that lady because she got the last sweater in red?!

Next, let’s talk about how actually finding decent products at Black Friday prices is likely not going to happen, especially if you didn’t sleep in a tent right outside the store. For those of us that like our sleep, we’d like to roll up to the nearest Nordstrom's at a reasonable hour. By that time, you’re lucky if there is a pair of jeans somewhere around your size. I usually end up buying things at full price, because the products that are on sale are either not that appealing or just sold out.

Black Friday gives me anxiety. I’m easily overwhelmed when walking into a large store on any given day just because there is too much to choose from. Throw an extra 1,000 people into the mix and that’s a recipe for a sh*t shopping experience! This causes me to end up leaving empty handed and having lost a little faith in humanity.

Cyber Monday is where it’s at, people. The stock is rarely low, sales are way better, and there are no pushy and rude people trying to grab a top right out of your hands! The level of stress goes way down. I can freely go about my (online) shopping in a relaxed manner while everyone at the mall sprints around and protects their throne of clothing in the dressing room. Hoarding sizes is the tactic in stores on Black Friday. Taking my time and finding the right pieces at great prices is the tactic for us Cyber Monday fans.

There are different shopping styles for everyone. Some people love that adrenaline rush of running into a store at early hours and competing for the best deals. Other people, like myself, prefer a bit of a laid back approach to our holiday shopping. One thing we all must keep in mind is that the real holiday is Thanksgiving, and we can't let the competition that is Black Friday over-shadow this.

Happy Holidays and safe shopping!