Rethinking the Necessity of Black Friday Shopping

Black Friday sales are back, and everyone seems excited as ads flood our newspapers and commercials from big brands fill the air, all promising unbeatable deals. Among friends and family, all the buzz is about their shopping plans kicking off at midnight on Thanksgiving. Stores opening their doors for these sales get a lot of media attention.

But it makes me wonder about the true meaning of Thanksgiving, which seems overshadowed by shopping frenzies instead of focusing on gratitude. After being out of the country for two years, it’s hard for me to get into the Black Friday spirit. Sure, it’s a great time to snag that electronic gadget at a bargain price, but I struggle to understand the thrill of buying heaps of stuff that usually end up as clutter or toys kids quickly lose interest in.

One big reason I avoid this shopping craze is the overwhelming crowds. The idea of waiting in long lines with endless shopping carts or fighting over the last discounted Barbie isn’t my idea of fun. Some people enjoy this sort of thing, but it’s just not for me. Being pregnant only makes me dislike those massive crowds and the chaos even more.

Plus, with the rise of online shopping and deals running all weekend, Black Friday’s charm fades. Personally, I’d rather shop online, and I’m more drawn to Cyber Monday deals or extended Black Friday offers over the weekend. You might miss out on the extra discount for the first few in-store shoppers, but you can shop comfortably at home, maybe with a cup of hot chocolate, instead of being among hundreds in a crowded store.

While many finance bloggers are busy sharing Black Friday deal posts, I prefer to skip that and support a simple Christmas without all the excess buying. We’ve strayed from the real purpose of this holiday—appreciating our blessings rather than filling our shopping carts at dawn. So, are you planning to join the Black Friday shopping frenzy too?