Dadding
Are Black Friday Deals Worth It … On Thanksgiving?
By now, every one is used to the slow creep of Christmas, the displays and sales and adorable little bags of cut-rock candies that look like red-and-white striped jewels. There’s no War On Christmas. There’s an all-out War Of Christmas — and it seemingly begins earlier and earlier every year.
So is it really any surprise that the idea of shopping on Thanksgiving Day is the next logical step? I can’t stop wondering what this is doing to the family holiday dynamic across the country, however, and how or whether people are integrating this trend into their traditions.
I hear about people getting ready to shop at midnight on Thursday — or more accurately, the moment Thursday turns into Black Friday — and I think: Shouldn’t you people be knocked out by the turkey? And then: Shouldn’t you be home, just relaxing and giving thanks with your … family?
I can’t help wondering what the trade-offs are for family time. Is it OK to run away from the family on a holiday in order to go buy stuff for the family? The intention is genuinely good, to score a deal for loved ones. Probably many people make a family trip out of it as well, going with their favorite relative or shopping buddy. But how about the clerks and sales people that now have to leave their own families to service yours, I wonder.
I find myself shrugging at this next great American holiday. After all, Hallmark created what? Half of the other holidays we celebrate? So why shouldn’t I look with such a cynical eye on yet another one boosted by corporate America?
But this one seems particularly … I don’t know the word. It’s not something I would do — I’d rather settle in for another slice of pie and a movie on the couch with my wife after the kid goes to bed — but it seems to be the highlight of many people’s day.
How does your family handle Black Friday on Thursday: Is it a new family tradition or something to be ignored?
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6 Comments
Military Dad commented on Nov 22 11 at 2:55 pmIn my humble opinion, Black Friday deals are never worth it, especially on Thanksgiving.
I’ve been on the other side of aisle because I worked at Wal-Mart for 4 years while I was in college. I’ve seen the sort of mob mentality that takes place on Black Friday, and it was hard to watch. I’ve seen grandmothers yelling at each other over Tickle-Me Elmo dolls, and I’ve seen grown men throwing punches over DVD players. We always had to arrive about an hour before the store actually opened, and there were always people that tried to slip through the doors with us like we wouldn’t notice. I completely understand that people have a limited amount of time to grab that cheap TV or the must-have stuffed animal, but I just don’t think it’s worth leaving your family at midnight, standing in line for 4 hours, and then storming the store. Of course, everyone has their own priorities, but I think that cyber Monday is probably a better way to do your Christmas shopping. I’ve also seen commercials for what is being called “Small Business Saturday.” That also looks to be a better option.
Now that I no longer work in retail, I avoid the Black Friday crowd like it’s the Black Plague crowd. We have already completed all of our grocery shopping in the hopes that there will be absolutely no reason to leave the house over the weekend. Of course, everyone has their own priorities, but I think that cyber Monday is probably a better way to do your Christmas shopping. I’ve also seen commercials for what is being called “Small Business Saturday.” That also looks to be a better option.
mikeadamick commented on Nov 22 11 at 2:59 pmI’d throw a good round house at a grandma for a cabbage patch doll ….
Seriously, great points all around. It’s nice to have the perspective of a former employee. And I had never heard of Small Business Saturday. What a neat idea. I could totally get behind that, strolling around the neighborhood shops with my wife while picking up some things for the kiddo. I like it.
Military Dad commented on Nov 22 11 at 7:10 pmI just saw the commercials for Small Business Saturday this last weekend. I’m not sure if it’s a new concept that they’re trying to get rolling or if it’s been around for awhile and just been very small. I know that I do like that concept much more than Black Friday. As I think back through history, there are very few things that earned the nickname “Black” and were a good thing.
By the way, sorry about the redundancy in the first comment. Not sure what happened there.
Cheers,
Military Dad
http://militarydadblog.com
taunya commented on Nov 23 11 at 4:36 amwreaking a holiday for those that want to have a safe and happy time
Stephanie commented on Nov 23 11 at 8:16 amWe pretty much NEVER participate in Black Friday (we have a standing tradition of “turkey eggs” at my in-laws the day after Thanksgiving. I also feel badly when I read the Walgreens hours are 10-6:00PM on Thanksgiving (yay for Publix for allowing their employees to spend their holiday at home with their families), when does that give the employees time to eat THEIR Thanksgiving meal? Definitely agree that family time is more important then scoring some mediocre sale that you can probably find just about any day of the year.
http://practicingparenting.blogspot.com/
Jessie c commented on Nov 23 11 at 11:03 pmMy Hubby works at a retailer open at midnight and I have to say I am really bummed. He’ll get home around midnight Wednesday night and has to be there at 10pm on Thanksgiving. We are greatful he has a good job but it does make the day less of a relaxing family day. He’ll sleep and eat and prepare to be up all night. If you do shop at midnight, be sure to be nice to the people helping you find the deals!
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