Black Friday mania is upon us again. Everyone seems overly excited, as newspapers and commercials from big brands bombard us with ads promising unbeatable deals.
Among my friends and family, conversations revolve around their shopping plans starting from midnight on Thanksgiving Day. Stores opening on Thanksgiving have grabbed lots of media attention.
But it makes me wonder about the true meaning of Thanksgiving when shopping seems to take center stage over expressing gratitude. After living abroad for two years, I find it hard to share in the Black Friday excitement. Sure, it’s a great opportunity to snag that gadget you’ve been wanting at a good price. Still, I can’t understand the joy in buying loads of stuff that often ends up as clutter or toys that kids lose interest in quickly.
One big reason I avoid these shopping sprees is the massive crowds. The idea of standing in long lines or fighting over the last discounted Barbie just isn’t for me. Some people enjoy it, but it’s not my thing, especially now that I’m pregnant and even less tolerant of the chaos.
With the rise of the internet and online deals throughout the sale weekend, Black Friday’s charm fades for me. I prefer shopping online, where Cyber Monday sales, or even extended Black Friday deals over the weekend, seem more appealing. You might miss out on the extra discounts for the earliest in-store shoppers, but you get to shop comfortably from home, maybe with a hot chocolate in hand, which isn’t possible in a crowded Wal-Mart.
While other finance bloggers highlight the best Black Friday deals, I choose to promote a simpler Christmas without excessive spending. We’re losing touch with the holiday’s essence—being thankful for what we have instead of filling our shopping carts at dawn. So, are you planning to hit the stores on Black Friday?