Black Friday, otherwise known as the crazy day of shopping that follows Thanksgiving, has become utterly insane. The term Black Friday was first used in the 1960s to signify the beginning of the profit-earning season. Back when accounting records were kept by hand, red ink was used to record losses, while black ink was used to record profits. Black Friday is the busiest shopping day and also the first day when many stores were able to record a profit for the holiday season.
Ever since, the Friday after Thanksgiving has become full of bustling shoppers waiting to get the best deal on Christmas gifts. Many stores open in the early hours of the morning, and the earlier shoppers arrive, the better the deals are. Some stores even open late in the evening on Thanksgiving. However, many are opposed to waiting in long lines and supporting franchises that open on the holiday.
Has Black Friday caused us to lose sight of what is really important during the holiday season? Has it skewed our view to place more focus on materialistic goods?
Many oppose stores that open on Thanksgiving night because it takes employees away from their families. My family is very small and we don’t have many Thanksgiving traditions. For this reason, I told my boss at my retail job that I would be available to work in the evening. Thankfully, the store that I work at is not opening until the next morning.
I understand that many people have family traditions and holidays should be spent surrounded by those you love, but for those who have nothing to do; working on Thanksgiving can be an exciting experience. Personally, I am not opposed to stores that open during the evening on Thanksgiving.
The fact of the matter is that Black Friday shopping fuels the desire of acquiring materialistic goods. Most of the shopping is done for others as gifts, but with prices that enticing, it makes it difficult to avoid wanting a little something for yourself.
When prices are low shoppers are sucked into purchasing more. I mean, who doesn’t like receiving a lot of presents? This is what makes us lose sight of the true meaning of the holiday season. The focus shifts from giving to others to how we can maximize the amount of things we buy for the least amount of money.
Not to say that Black Friday shopping is a bad thing, as I definitely participate in the festivities, but this year when I’m up at the crack of dawn waiting in line to get the best price, I hope I will think of the true purpose of the holiday season. More thought will go into my purchases and I won’t make as many impulse buys.
Black Friday is great because prices are low and the social aspect is exhilarating if you’re the type that enjoys large crowds. There are both pros and cons to this holiday tradition. Whatever you decide to do this year on the day after Thanksgiving, enjoy the break and spend some quality time with friends and loved ones–the true reason for the holiday season.
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