Today is one of those notorious days in the American
shopping calendar. Though it is meant as the day to kick off the Christmas
holiday shopping season, Black Friday is more reminiscent of a horse race—complete
with gate and starting bell—than a prelude to a favorite celebration.
I opted out of that race long ago. The Thrill of the Hunt is
not my way to paint this winter scene. I have a hard time shifting gears from
cozy winter hideaway to epic struggles in the big box arena. I’m still in that
family get-together mood, remember?
With that in mind, it’s no surprise that a simple phrase I
stumbled upon online caught my eye: Family Over Frenzy.
That’s exactly what I choose.
In my life-beyond-blogging, I have several interests, one of
which is keeping up with what’s new in the non-profit world. In addition to
other reading, one type of blog I read focuses on this niche. And that’s where
I found this phrase—in this blog here, which explains the phrase further—which
fits so well with my focus on family.
Granted, I don’t exactly agree with everything on the
website which originated that concept. But I’m willing to grant wiggle room to
anyone who can articulate reasons to not
go with the flow when the flow is headed over the cliff of shopping insanity.
My Christmas holiday means much more to me than who-got-which-gift. I hope it’s
the same for you, and you will find the time to extend the mood of the
Thanksgiving season through the weekend, putting people before products, and
family before the frenzy of Black Friday.
As so many genealogy bloggers have recently been suggesting,
make this a respite from that desperate dash by finding time to engage those
gathered relatives in conversation. Soak up all the memories your extended
family is willing to share. Encourage those of our generation of elders to
share what their lives were like—what was special to them, what they endured,
what they dreamed and even dreaded. Sharing their memories with you may possibly
be the best gift they can grant you this giving season. And showing your
appreciation for the time they take to do so may be the best gift you can give
them in return.
Above right: Currier and Ives lithograph, "A Brush for the Lead," 1867; from the Library of Congress courtesy Wikipedia; in the public domain.
What worries me about this frenzy and opening on Thanksgiving is opening on Christmas not far behind. I refuse to go out and shop on Thanksgiving, Black Friday or Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, Claudia. I keep hoping that if enough people did that, the merchandisers would get the hint, but apparently not. There are evidently plenty of people willing to spend on those days if the price is right. I'd just rather pay my attention to the things I value. There is definitely life after shopping.
DeleteGreat comments about Black Friday. I had to recommend it to my facebook friends.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendation, Grant!
DeleteI'm not one of those who line up to get the deals on Black Friday either. And stores opening on Thanksgiving now? I just think that's ridiculous. It takes away from family time.
ReplyDeleteI am much happier to shop online and avoid the fevered pitch that has become Black Friday.
You're right, Jana, about the family time. When my neighborhood grocery store decided to open on Thanksgiving day, I felt so bad for the employees. Yeah, it's more money for them, but that's exactly it: it takes them away from family on one day that is supposed to give us that very chance to be together with family. That's when I decided that, on Thanksgiving, even if I forgot something I desperately needed for our special meal, I'd rather go without than give some store owner a vote of confidence for a decision like that.
DeleteI hate shopping and put it off as long as I can..I just want a simple Christmas..with homemade gifts..but no one sees it my way...so I never really enjoy Christmas and don't look forward to the Christmas season at all. I will muddle through..and bake and cook and shop..but my heart is just not in it:(
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Far Side, but I can see others' point of view. Your daughters, for instance, are in a very different place, with young children for whom Christmas is such a magical time. It is indeed hard to strive for the simple approach when there is so much pressure all around to conform to the more complicated, debt-driven way.
DeleteBuilding memories, initiating new family traditions, and yes, baking, may help build bridges over this shopping mania for the youngest generation...but I'll agree with you, it's hard to get people to see it your way when so many are pulling in the opposite direction.
I'm seeing a glimmer of a sign that you are not alone, though. Maybe...