The end-of-year holidays are just around the corner, starting with Thanksgiving. This time of year is perfect for gathering with family and friends, enjoying a delicious meal, and reflecting on all we have to be thankful for. But let’s not forget that Thanksgiving also kicks off the infamous Black Friday shopping mayhem, known for long lines, crowded stores, packed parking lots, and sometimes less-than-civil behavior.
If you’re not keen on diving into the shopping chaos this holiday season, here are three great reasons to consider staying at home.
1. AVOID IMPULSE BUYING
Thanksgiving sales can be incredibly tempting, often leading us to buy things we don’t really need. It’s especially tricky if you’re trying to stick to a budget. Studies have shown that once we start shopping, we tend to keep shopping. Events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday use clever marketing tactics to make us feel like we have to buy now or miss out. This often leads to impulsive decisions and purchases we might regret later. To avoid this, focus only on the deals for things you already planned to buy, regardless of any sales hype.
2. ENJOY ONLINE SHOPPING FROM YOUR COUCH
While some people brave the cold and camp outside stores like Best Buy or Target for doorbuster deals, these offers are usually limited in quantity and not always for top-brand items. Plus, some stores keep their best deals a secret until they open. Not to worry, though—many great deals are available long after Thanksgiving and Black Friday, both in stores and online. Shopping online comes with advantages like easy price comparisons, potential free shipping, and access to items that might not be available in physical stores. Using shopping apps like PriceBlink, PriceGrabber, and RetailMeNot can help you find the best prices and discount codes, making the whole process much simpler.
3. TREASURE THE HOLIDAY INSTEAD OF BLACK FRIDAY
If you’re fortunate enough to have Thanksgiving off, take the opportunity to relax, enjoy a family gathering, or even volunteer at a local community center instead of rushing through Thanksgiving dinner to hunt for in-store discounts. While some retail workers might choose to work during the Thanksgiving/Black Friday rush for the extra pay, many would prefer to spend that time with their loved ones. Reflect on why you might feel compelled to shop on such a special holiday. You might find that spending quality time with family is far more valuable than a 30% discount on a waffle maker—something you could likely find on sale another day anyway.