I just want to clear some things up. Black Friday is NOT all bad. And people who shop on Black Friday are not all greedy, crazed and violent. I am so sick of all the negative remarks and posts about it.
I apologize if I come across as snarky, but I'm just tired of it. Let me tell you about MY experiences. Most years I've gone by myself, sometimes with family and this year I went with a couple friends and our teenage daughters. EVERY year I have had a blast. I have never encountered mobs, I have never encountered angry people or people fighting over a certain items or rude, overtired sales people. In fact, it's always been quite the opposite. They are always WAY overstaffed and the staff are always very friendly and helpful - even friendlier than normal! Other shoppers are having fun too and I've often ended up talking and laughing with total strangers. There is a general attitude of JOY.
The reason I feel offended over some of these posts and comments and yes, even Bible verses being quoted is that I am trying HARD to save some money for my family. Just like everyone else times are tough and we work hard for our money. We DON'T buy our kids every little whim or thing they want for Christmas, but yet we still DO want to give nice things. I LOVE giving things to people. In fact a lot of my joy yesterday was in thinking how excited I was to see the recipients open their gifts on Christmas morning! For me, going shopping on Black Friday often means I can get the items I wanted to get anyway, at a great discount and save myself some money. Yes, I've also seen the joke - "I saved $100 because I didn't spend $100 (or any money at all)" -- which of course makes sense ... but do you mean to tell me those people are not buying their family any Christmas gifts?! Maybe they didn't spend that $100 on Black Friday, but they'll still spend it.
I know going out shopping with the crowds is not for everyone. In fact, most years I try hard to get any and all shopping done about 2 weeks before Christmas so that I won't have to encounter the crowds at the last minute. I've actually experienced FAR more rude, obnoxious people the closer it gets to Christmas. So for me, I'd rather do it early and get it done - then relax and ENJOY the JOY of the season for what it's really about. I also do online shopping and pick my groceries up curbside many weeks because I don't like encountering rude, impatient people. So I'm not suggesting that everyone go out on Black Friday but just lighten up on those of us who do ... it does not mean we're not thankful, content or grateful people. It just means we're trying to save some money!!
3 comments:
I had a great time and would go again! I always avoided because of the crowds, but yesterday changed my mind & like you I was able to get gifts at very reasonable prices!
Great points made Kathy! I think it sounds like fun if you have someone to go with! I personally joked that I saved 100% yesterday but you make a good point about the fact that I'd spend it on another day! haha! For me, it's just that I don't buy gifts that are super expensive for my kids to feel that the savings would be worth getting up early or dealing with traffic. And I only get them 3 gifts each plus stockings. Maybe when V is older it might be fun to go out with her, but I'm not a big shopper.
That photo may not apply to you but the news reports the worse of the worse of course so I think that's why it's so funny.
But kudos to you for voicing your opinion because you show a great side of it and that's what we need to be reminded of!!
Good points Mary, but something to keep in mind ... I don't buy big expensive items for my kids either .... what I love about Black Friday is being able to get great things like PJS for $5 and little stuff like that. I have never even stepped foot in a Best Buy or electronic type stores {on Black Friday}. Sometimes even the little gifts are great to get at a great sale.
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