Yeah I Shop Black Friday - Don't Judge Me

A few weeks ago we celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday with our family like a lot of other Americans.  That night, also like a lot of other Americans, I hit the stores for my holiday shopping.  Since a few days before Thanksgiving, I have seen several posts on Facebook criticizing Black Friday shoppers.  Comments such as “This is what is wrong with America.” I also saw pictures showing shoppers lined up outside a store with the caption, “You are part of the problem.”  Although I understand the plea of those who think employees should be allowed to have the holiday off; I respectfully request that I not be judged because I chose to shop the sales on Thanksgiving Thursday and Black Friday.

I have a confession to make, I love Black Friday shopping.  I was first introduced to this phenomenon several years ago by my husband.  He had gone before and suggested we go that year.  I thought he was crazy.  I have two more confessions to make:  1) I hate winter, especially the cold.  2) I hate crowded stores, they make me anxious.  The idea of standing outside in the freezing cold just to get into an excessively crowded store sounded like a horrible idea to me; but I agreed to go.  By the end of our shopping adventures I was very happy I joined my husband.  I had a blast!

It doesn’t matter to me if anyone chooses to shop during these annual sales.  (No, I’m not trying to convert you.)  But I would like to share some reasons why I enjoy this event, and believe I shouldn’t be judged because of it.

First, I will address the contradiction between my previous confessions.  Yes, I REALLY do not like the cold or crowded stores.  I think they suck, to be completely honest.  I never enjoyed shopping during the Christmas season because the stores were always busy, no matter what day you go.  Even more, I could never find a close parking spot, so I had to walk even farther in the cold.  (I know I’m being a baby, but it’s true.)  The reason why I can put up with it on Black Friday is actually pretty simple.  With good planning I can suck up the cold and crowds for one day of shopping so that I don’t have to deal with the mall or stress for the rest of the Christmas season.  So far that has worked out really well.

Another big complaint from others is the chaos that Black Friday has become infamous for.  I realize this is just uncalled for and ridiculous.  Fortunately, this has not been much of an issue where I live.  For the most part shoppers in my area are pretty police and courteous.  Not everyone of course, but for the most part.  For those who do act ridiculous, I choose to find entertainment in their unnecessary sense of urgency.  Whether you want to admit it or not, people watching can be very entertaining.

Others argue that Black Friday is a testament to the materialism and commercialism of Christmas.  I don’t entirely disagree with this; however, I don’t believe that I can’t be labeled as more materialistic than anyone else because of the day I choose to shop on.  First, I would like to point out that only those who do not buy presents for anyone ever on Christmas can rightfully complain about the commercialism or materialism of the holiday.  Also, I believe there is a lot of joy in picking out and giving a gift to someone you love, especially kids.  For me, Black Friday allows me to get more gifts for the same budgeted amount because of the great deals.  Some people may say that makes my kids spoiled, but I don’t agree.  My kids are not the kind of kids that get the newest video games or toys when they come out.  In fact, it took me a few years before I would buy them a Nintendo DS.  By the time my kids got one used DS to share, there was already a couple newer models made that many other kids had.  It is also not custom for my kids to receive new toys or games throughout the year just because they want something.  The only time my kids generally receive new things is at the end of the school year (as a reward for good grades,) on their birthdays, and at Christmas.  On Black Friday I am able to buy all their birthday and Christmas gifts in one shot. I am thankful for the opportunity to obtain such substantial discounts on these days so I can bless my kids at Christmas.

Lastly, I wanted to address the complaint that stores are now starting sales on Thanksgiving.  Although I didn’t really want to start shopping at 6 pm on Thanksgiving Day, I decided to go out anyway.  It actually worked out really well.  I found the stores were less crowded.  I didn’t have to wait outside (except for one store for a couple minutes,) and the checkout lines were pretty short.  It was a much smoother shopping experience.  I realize that the employees don’t want to work this day.  But I do think that with a job in retail it should be expected to be stuck working on days like this.  I work in a career that is a 24 hour operation.  I know full well that there are a lot of Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays that I will have to work.  Unfortunately it’s the nature of the job.

I had a ton of fun this year shopping with my sister, brother, niece and nephew.  We shared ideas with each other, helped each other find items, bragged about our deals, had an early morning breakfast, and reminisced.  My spirits were lifted after a couple of very stressful days.  I’m sorry.  I just can’t feel bad about that experience.  If you don’t like Black Friday I respect that.  I just ask that you respect me even though I do.