There was a time, a lifetime ago, when I was ready for Christmas
before Thanksgiving. As a single mother with two boys, I was always on
the look-out for bargains. I bought things throughout the year, and my
brother was overseas so I had to have packages wrapped and mailed long
before Thanksgiving was even on the horizon.
When the Christmas
season was in full swing and the malls were all decorated, I had
already finished my Christmas shopping. I would visit the malls and
they were so beautiful and now so memorable. I wasn't desperately
searching for gifts so I wasn't rushed. I could appreciate the
imaginations and budgets of the stores decorators. Fairyland was all
around, carols were playing in the background, families were shopping,
laughing, arguing, both kids and adults were making decisions, rushing
from store to store. One mall's ice rink displayed talents and
costumes and more laughter. I live in the Dallas area so I could enjoy
Neiman Marcus at its best. Christmas was in bloom. What a great way to
share the feeling of Christmas.
Although I knew the day after
Thanksgiving was the busiest shopping day of the year, it wasn't until
my daughter-in-law spent Thanksgiving with us that I learned of the
fervor with which some people approach Black Friday.
There was strategy and planning to get up early to be at the right
store for the opening of the doors. Then there was a sequence of stores
and more planned purchases. I was surprised and amused. She talked
about that day like a shopping lunatic.
Actually, I was the one
out of sync. Since I heard her plan, I have become aware of Black
Friday with all of the specials and discounts offered. The real
surprise is that more people don't flock to them on that day. It has
even sprouted a counter-culture which started a Buy Nothing Day.
Life
has changed. My brother no longer lives overseas, so I do not hurry
with wrapping and mailing. The Internet has joined the ranks of
shopping destinations and even has its own version of Black Friday -- Cyber Monday. I browse the newspaper ads for Black Friday deals and discounts. One can visit CyberMonday.com, the official site sponsored by Shop.org, for Internet sales and specials.
Even
the government recognizes the frenzy accompanying the holiday shopping
season. The Federal Trade Commission created an online consumer alert
with hints for preparation at FTC tips. This is good reading for anyone planning a Christmas shopping trip.
Christmas
shopping doesn't have to be expensive or stressful. When well-planned,
shopping can be a time of colorful delight and happy memories, a good
beginning for the spirit of the season. As the creator of the Simpsons once said:
Aren't we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas?
You know, the birth of Santa. ~
Matt Groening (1954- )
Relax and enjoy.
