From a Thanksgiving Grump

I’m the first to admit that I like shopping. Malls are happy places for me, places where a person can be waited on in a clean environment where someone else polished the glass on the showcases. Looking for sales is a particular skill I’ve worked to develop over the years. While shopping is fun, saving money is even better.

I also truly love writing for Harlequin’s Heartwarming line. My fellow authors and I compose stories about tender love, family values, and coming together with hope for the future.

So, why am I so upset about Thanksgiving this year?

Basically Black Friday is ruining the holiday for me. I never was a Black Friday shopper, but I actually admired those who were. But now Black Friday is threatening to take over what I cherish about the holiday. Many stores are open all day on Thursday. Many are opening before dark on Thursday evening and remaining open all night. Many are asking their employees to come in at 5 AM Friday to handle the customers.

Isn’t it possible that we are forgetting what this truly original and universal American holiday is all about? Aren’t we supposed to remember why we join around the table in the spirit of peace and harmony and good will (and yes, good food). Our ancestors have been recognizing the value of these few hours on a Thursday in November for many years. I think we should honor their memories and, for one day,  put the shopping on the back burner, the turkey in the oven, and allow all American families to gather together and say thanks.

Just sayin’

Happy Thanksgiving.
Cynthia


Comments

  1. One of the reasons Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday is because I can relax and enjoy time with my family without worrying about all the other stuff. A friend of mine was saying how her family looks forward to Black Friday (the one time of the year her family is together and goes shopping) but now it's ruined. Of course, that blew me away because I've never done Black Friday...heck I never shop at all until Christmas Eve and I'm forced too, lol. So my family will continue to do what we always do. Stuff ourselves silly, sit around and play cards or some game afterwards and enjoy being together. NO SHOPPING!!! :)

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    1. Good for you, LeAnne. Wish I were at your house for those games.

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  2. I think this trend is sad. But it will never change unless people stay home and don't shop on the holiday. It's like the build-it-and-they-will-come philosophy. Open and shoppers will flock to stores looking for good deals. Already people are sleeping in tents outside of our Best Buy store so they can be first in to trample each other over big screen TVs. I grew up when stores weren't open on Sunday. Sunday was a day of R & R for families. Having Sunday off has long been gone. Again I say it's sad.

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    1. Oh, Roz, I remember the blue laws - no retail sales on Sunday. I doubt that exists anywhere in the country now.

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  3. I agree. Instead of one day devoted to ballistic shopping we have it starting earlier and earlier. If one company starts the shopping day on Thursday at 6:00 pm then another has to one-up that company and start at 5:00 pm - and we're inundated with the constant advertising. And we can expect to see some violent encounters on the news dealing with people out of control over some Black Friday deals. I’m avoiding all shopping areas between now and Saturday, when I expect all this craziness will be over. Hope all the Heartwarming authors' enjoy a lovely holiday meal with friends and family.

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  4. I so agree! We have become so fast paced with one store trying to outdo the other that we have turned this day of thanksgiving into one of chaos.

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  5. I used to love Black Friday - but it never started on Thursday! Family and friends would all get together for Thanksgiving - really celebrate it and enjoy each other, then the guys would relax together on Friday while all the women, including little girls, would go out at 5 a.m for breakfast, shop, go out for lunch, shop and come home having had the best time. Having worked in retail for a long time, I think many merchants are struggling to stay alive these days, but I do applaud those who refused to open Thursday! Have a wonderful, wonderful day All of You!

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  6. Well said :). Personally, I stay clear of hectic, crowded shopping. Not that I don't love a great deal, but the crowds kill me...

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  7. P.S. We're having our first snow today! More reason to stay in lol.

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