To Every American Who shops On Thanksgiving,
Every year the Halloween decorations are taken down and it seems as if once they are taken down everything becomes about Christmas. Christmas lights start appearing
Many people view Thanksgiving as a time meant to celebrate and give thanks with those you are the most thankful for.
Thanksgiving was originally celebrated historically somewhere in the beginning of October. It was changed by FDR to be the fourth Thursday of November. He changed it from Lincoln who had it as the last Thursday in November, the change was due to the holiday being too close to Christmas for business's. While most of us run from store to store to buy food to make for our families the linger of Christmas is still in the air. The next day after everyone has given thanks for what they have the day before people stampede one another to get the best deals on materialistic objects. For those working in retail like myself it seems as if people and society as a whole have forgotten the meaning of Thanksgiving.
There are many stores that are open Thanksgiving night or early Friday morning, there have been stores this year that have stopped the early Black Friday shopping. However, many stores like the one I work at will be open. It is hard to spend Thanksgiving being thankful for family and harvest when the workers have to be in retail. There are numerous other jobs such as being a police officer, fire fighter, solider, and nurse where they work holidays away from their families however they are providing a wonderful service to the community. People would be okay without buying the newest TV right away, people wouldn't be safe without law enforcement. It's unfortunate working retail while my family who I would be able to see once a year gathers around the table to give thanks.
Family for many people is a blessing, for those who spend the last holidays with loved ones it is hard to know not being there for the next holiday where they will be in heaven is a difficult fact to face. People who work retail should get the choice if they want to work it or not since it has been proven people continue to shop on Thanksgiving. What would happen if every store in the United States was closed on Thanksgiving and opened at 10 a.m. on Black Friday? According to marketing teams it would have an affect on sales, companies wouldn't be gaining a profit for not being open during those hours however, a good corporation takes care of the employees in the best way possible and understands family is very important. The Mall Of America is closed this Thanksgiving, I believe many more corporations and stores need to follow in their lead. At what point is a business risking the employees personal lives to make a profit?
Let's take back Thanksgiving and spend it with the people we are thankful for.
Sincerely,
All Retail Workers
