There was an article in Yahoo News or some other internet news site about a woman who claims to have paid only $2000 on $10,000 worth of merchandise on Black Friday. I only have one thing to say about that: The day I spend $2000 (much less $10,000) on Christmas gifts is the day I win the lottery and become Oprah’s sole beneficiary. But probably not even then.
I’m not alone in thinking the whole Black Friday thing has gotten out of control. It’s unbelievable how Corporate America is able to manipulate the country into thinking that more is better. Seriously, I believe people go out on Black Friday Thursday just to buy as much stuff as they possibly can and decide later who will receive what item from the myriad of on-sale crap. Where has the thoughtfulness of gift-giving gone? Are we, as a whole, really convinced that a violent, frontal lobe-frying video game is better for our kids than a book? Is it really better to give Grandma a high-tech food processor rather than a CD featuring music from her era?
The magic and joy of the Christmas season is being sucked away by greed. Not only is Christmas promoted way too early, it is obscenely promoted with shouting and concepts like “busting” doors.
I can think of SO many things I’d rather do than stand in line, outside, on a cold Minnesota November night, with a bunch of strangers.
There’s nothing wrong with a sale or saving money, but let’s all remember the idea behind giving gifts. Let’s not let retail stores tell us we are bad if we don’t give diamonds and flat-screen TVs (on sale of course) as gifts. Most importantly, let’s not let the Thanksgiving holiday turn into an eat-and-run kind of day. Relax. Preparing a delicious meal is enough to think about for one day. Even if you’re all alone on Thanksgiving, take that time to be silently thoughtful about that for which you are thankful. Or watch a good movie.
I’ll be spending Black Friday with Husby at the Taylors Falls Depot selling my wares along with some other talented artisans. It will prove to be a fun event with sweet treats and cider for anyone who stops by. Be sure to stay for the parade downtown Taylors Falls, as well as the lighting of the Christmas decorations.
I like the idea of spending the day in small town, doing small town stuff at a small town pace. In the back of my mind I’ll still know the world has gone mad and people are clawing and trampling each other to the delight and amusement of big box stores. To this thought I can only say, non illegitimi carborundum est.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Auntie B's Wax 
I’m with you! I have become known as the book-giving aunt, mother, grandmother, friend. Some love it; some only tolerate it. I’m too old to change. I start in January, keeping my eyes open for the perfect book for each of those on my list. I’m most always done long before Thanksgiving comes around. Thanks, Sara!
I love the idea that you are the Book Lady! I especially love the fact that you think about the recipients of those books and you choose suitable reads for them. Good job! Keeping it simple and meaningful is the way to go. Thanks for your comment!