Don't Fear Black Friday

As families return home and leftovers are diminished, the Thanksgiving excitement is dying down.  However, the conversations about those many brave souls who faced the crowds and long lines on Black Friday are still in full force. Over the weekend I could not help but overhear dozens of shocked patrons at work obsessing over “how crazy those people must be.” I actually over heard a woman say this.  While I am certainly not among the millions who quickly cleaned their Thanksgiving plates to rush out to the stores, I have a hard time understanding why people are still lamenting over Black Friday.  

While I don’t necessarily agree with the barbaric behavior some possessed shoppers exhibit to get the hottest new toy or television, I think these instances are rare and, when common decency is shown, Black Friday should not be a day to be feared.  I think everyone needs to remember that not all Black Friday shoppers are fanatical psychopathic consumers who bring their children out in the early hours of the morning and are willing to trample each other for a good deal.  Instead, from what I have witnessed, Black Friday shoppers are lining up to have a good time and when common sense, patience and order is exhibited, Black Friday can be a perfectly acceptable way for shoppers to get a head start on their holiday shopping. 

Many Black Friday naysayers insist that Thanksgiving should be about family, friends and tradition. 

 However, for some families this is what Black Friday is all about.  Instead of indulging in several slices of pumpkin pie (like I did) why not indulge in a few good deals with your friends and family?  I believe many people forget that we are a culture of consumers and our desires will not be dismissed for one day.  Besides, shopping into the wee hours of the morning is probably a pretty good way to burn off all of those extra Thanksgiving calories. . .