But years ago, I used to get together with my brother-in-law on Thanksgiving and we would grab the ads and chart out our items for the next day. We would meet up early the next morning with some friends and see what we could get. We would never show up hours before, camping out was not for us, but we would be there when the doors opened. Sometimes we got some deals, and sometimes we didn't. Then we would all head over to breakfast at Denny's. It was fun. We had a good time.
It has become chic in the past few years to blast Black Friday. We gripe about consumerism. We blanche at stories of people tackling old ladies in order to get the latest video game.
All valid.
However, I remember having good conversations with cheery people while waiting in line. I remember helping people get their deals, and others helping me get mine. There was always a lot of laughter at Denny's, and it wasn't just coming from our table.
In addition, Black Friday put items that would not normally be considered, in range. I know a mom who gets up early every year to snag the Lego deals for her boys. The big sets are typically out of her price range, but on Black Friday those items become possible.
So, I can't join in the anti-Black Friday pile-on. I understand the concerns (though at times the delivery of those concerns smells a little like self-righteousness), but I can't apologize for my many outings with friends and family during Black Fridays past. We enjoyed ourselves.
On this Black Friday, my wife and I sit here in our pajamas drinking coffee; while we wait for the latest lightning deal at Amazon for the nieces and nephews.
1 comment:
Polly and I do 99% of our Christmas shopping at Amazon.com. We love it...no crowds, great prices.
When Polly and I were first married we went shopping with her family the day after Thanksgiving. It was a marathon event. At the end of the day I told everyone...you guys can do this if you want...but this is my first and last shop 'til you drop event.
We are babysitting five of our grandchildren today. I much prefer this over Black Friday shopping. I don't judge others who enjoy shopping on Black Friday. Each to their own.
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