Black Friday sales are here again, and it seems like everyone is buzzing with excitement. Ads are everywhere, promising unbelievable deals, and all my friends and family can talk about is their shopping plans starting right after Thanksgiving dinner. Stores opening on Thanksgiving Day itself have become quite the event.
But I can’t help but wonder: what happened to the true meaning of Thanksgiving? Instead of being grateful for what we have, the focus seems to be on a shopping spree. After spending two years abroad, I struggle to get excited about Black Friday. Sure, it’s a good opportunity to buy that gadget you’ve been wanting at a discounted price. But I don’t see the joy in piling up stuff that often just turns into clutter or toys that kids forget about in no time.
One big reason I avoid Black Friday is the massive crowds. The idea of waiting in long lines with endless shopping carts or fighting over the last discounted item doesn’t appeal to me at all. Some people enjoy this chaos, but it’s definitely not for me. Being pregnant makes the whole crowded scene even less appealing.
With online shopping and the rise of Cyber Monday deals, the draw of going out on Black Friday isn’t strong for me anymore. Shopping online, wrapped up in a blanket with a hot chocolate, sounds much better. You might miss out on some extra discounts for the first few in-store shoppers, but the comfort of home beats the rush of a crowded store any day.
While many finance bloggers are sharing the best Black Friday deals, I’d rather promote a simpler, more mindful Christmas without excessive shopping. Let’s not forget what this holiday is really about – being thankful for what we have instead of filling up our carts with more stuff at the crack of dawn. So, are you planning to head out for Black Friday shopping?