Black Friday: I'd Rather Stay Home | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Black Friday: I'd Rather Stay Home

Are the deals you get really worth the time your losing? Why you should skip Black Friday this year...

15
Black Friday: I'd Rather Stay Home
Deziree Brock

Black Friday is known as the one day of the year that you can get into a fist-fight with somebody’s grandmother, all for a chance at getting your son that new iPad at half price. It’s also the event that many people say have ruined the holidays, because saving becomes more important than spending: spending time with your family, that is.

The organized shopping-riot has been around for as long as most of us have been around, starting after the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in 1924. But why drop Great Aunt Suzanne's homemade stuffing to pick up some good deals? The answer is obvious: Christmas.

Buying the best gifts for loved ones has become an epidemic these days, and has only been getting earlier, with sales last year starting as early as 4:00 on Thanksgiving Day. But since when is leaving on Thanksgiving to go shopping allowed? I thought you couldn’t leave the table until everybody was done eating. And why miss out on that pie?

Black Friday is an over-advertised monster that has swallowed Thanksgiving and Christmas, and taken the meanings of the heartwarming holidays with them. There are multiple political cartoons floating around on the internet that depict the issue of Holiday Blending, like one that says “Merry Hallowgivingsmas.” People seemed to be upset by the media making it very difficult for families to enjoy one holiday together at a time.

These holidays are indeed a time to be grateful for what we have. Yes, giving gifts can be a great way to show your appreciation of a friend or family member. It’s great to give gifts, but in the fast-paced world where you’ve got to have the newest gadgets, we can get a little caught in material things.

Parents are constantly losing massive amounts of money on their children’s gifts, and seem to regret nothing, all to see them smile. But please know, if your kid asks you for two gifts, each at the value of a hundred big ones, giving them one of the two should not give them the impression that you love them any less.

Some people have stuck with the argument that the late night, credit card debt inducing, shopping-extravaganza brings their families together. We all have different traditions, and some people like to shop with their families. The hardest part about this though is sacrificing the surprise of the gifts on Christmas morning, along with leaving dinner early the night of Thanksgiving.

A less-used version of Black Friday, universally known as Cyber Monday, brings a great alternative-giving computer and internet users a smarter way to shop without losing too much sleep or waiting in line. It’s the online version of Black Friday, and it’s the Monday after Thanksgiving. This gives you the entire weekend to spend uninterrupted with friends and family, and the sales are just as good, or better.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

13085
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5739
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4256
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3760
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments