I, for one, am very put off by Black Friday. Screaming, fighting crowds, door busters, making the employees work on Thanksgiving…it’s just a bad, bad thing. OK, yeah, you can get some good deals, but is it really worth it? You know the sales are all about corporate America trying to, well, get into the black.
I’m all for America and also capitalism, but the chaos of Black Friday has gotten completely out of control. I know a place where you can go and do some Christmas shopping, support local artisans, not get mauled in the process, and have a family friendly experience in Small Town, U.S.A. If you live in the nearby area I suggest the Holiday At The Depot event, which is part of the Lighting Festival in Taylors Falls, MN.
It’s a small gathering of dedicated artists and crafters who offer their wares for sale. Not only that, they also offer free cider, coffee, and treats for the shoppers! You won’t get that at Walmart. The products are original, handmade, and of the utmost quality. There are painters, seamstresses, soap makers, chandlers, jewelers and more.
The arts are available in the depot on Friday, November 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Come on by and stay for the parade and the lighting of the town at 6:00 p.m. If you aren’t in to seeing Santa after the parade you can stop by and visit with Husby and me ~ we’re both as jolly as St. Nick and will get you into the holiday spirit.
My thanks to those who make this event happen and everyone participating. It’s a marvelous way to kick off the holiday season – hope to see you there!
Auntie B's Wax 
I agree! Way too commercial and chaotic! I hope the pendulum swings back the other way soon. I’m embarrassed to be part of the culture!
Sara thats a place I would prefer to spend my money. I hate the crowds I often wondered what black friday meant? This year we are making origami flowers as gifts for teachers etc and gifting art and our own cards people love it when some extra thought goes into it. Nothing better than an artisan market where you can find something original and made with love. Im off to one this saturday and can’t wait.
Hello Kath! It’s been a while.
I love your idea of origami, art and handmade cards, of course. I also believe that if people can’t make these things themselves there are plenty of artisans willing to share their talents, and plenty of them will tell the buyer what goes into the craft and stories behind the artwork. It’s all so personal and wonderful!
Black Friday is the day after our Thanksgiving Day, which is the 3rd Thursday in November. It’s called Black Friday because that’s when the retailers strive to get “into the black,” i.e. get out of debt, before the end of the year. When one is in debt they’re considered “in the red.”
The problem is, the retailers sell their products as rock bottom prices and people swarm in hoards to get the stuff they want for cheap. There are “Door Buster Sales,” and they aren’t kidding. Some people stand in line for hours to get into stores to get stuff at low prices.
I’m a little embarrassed by the values of America when I see this. Did I say “a little?” Quite frankly I’m ashamed of the behavior Black Friday inspires in people.
So, not to make an entire blog post of this comment, I’ll just say I’m not one to participate in Black Friday activities, and I really appreciate others who appreciate the true spirit of gift giving.
Thanks for your comment, Kath, and I hope to hear from you again soon!
Wow sounds like our boxing day sales. Not a fan of huge RUDE crowds either Sara. Hope the retirement is everything you need and want. Yes I love homemade or artists cards. Off to an artisan market this week I love to support local creativity and i am usually inspired to create when i go home. Today hoping to get some bird snaps at a nearby aviary thats just opened up. My kind of place.