It's getting to be that time of the year - when all the retailers try to outdo each other and try and entice you into their stores to spend your money. They've been talking about it for weeks already.
It used to be a big "secret" . . . "what's in the Black Friday ads?". Now, you can find out earlier and earlier.
It's a shame that several stores are starting their sales on Thanksgiving Day.
I've only been to one Black Friday and that was enough for me!! There's something about that mad adrenalin rush to get into the store and nab the sale item that turns people into maniacs (not to offend anyone who might go to these sales, but I've witnessed it first hand and seen news stories on TV and in the newspaper about this). The biggest problem is there is so few actual items in the store at that "bargain" price that causes all the ruckus. If you're not one of the first ten people in the store, forget it, there won't be any of that item left.
There have been people who died from being trampled by the crowds when the doors open. Sad . .. very sad that people have to behave like this.
Retailers bombard us with TV commercials constantly toting the latest "gotta have" item of the moment. Everyone then "thinks" they have to have said item. How many people rush out to buy something that 1) they can't afford, 2) they don't need - just so they can proudly say, "I've got XYZ"?
I'm not one of those people. I don't own a Ipod, Laptop, Smart Phone, Tablet, Kindle . . . there are so many items, I can't even think of all of them. I know some of you may own all of the above listed - and that's OK if you can afford them - but, more often than not, many people CAN'T afford them and buy them anyhow. Society drums into our subconscious mind . . "you've GOT to have this latest gadget". Stay strong and don't get sucked into this thinking - especially, if you cannot afford it!
So . . . for those of you who dare brave these sales . . . it will be here soon! I imagine some of you will stay home and just shop online. Bet the internet lines will be busy!!!
Don't let the excitement of the items advertised entice you to spend money you didn't plan on spending. The holidays aren't all about material gifts - the gift of your TIME is the most precious gift you can give or receive. ;D
Bucky
Well put Bucky!
Shopping on Black Friday is NOT for me either, although I have some people trying to talk me into going with them this year again...doubt I will even get near the stores! :)
I will do my yearly trip to Joann Fabrics with my friend. We are usually there for an hour to get flannel and fleece. Everyone is very polite. We don't dare hit any other stores- too crazy for me!!
I don't do Black Friday either. I am usually working that day anyway. They would have to give stuff away and buy me breakfirst first. ;) And then I probably still wouldn't go. ::)
I was in target this weekend and it was a madhouse, I can't even think about black friday! I get.....paniky to say the least. If I have my kids with me too....No Way!!!! I hate people touching the baby and my toddler goes into meltdown mode with loud areas, God forbid she has to go potty and the potty flushes she would be hysterical. Online shopping for me:) -hootyhu
It used to be that you could shop all day. That is what my daughter and her in-laws do. Last year when we had Thanksgiving with them, the guys went shopping for half the day and then watched sports. The gals spent the day shopping and came back for supper before going out again. My wife complained that she should have come back at noon. We went home after supper and Jan fell asleep with-in minutes of getting in the car to go home.
We don't have this in Canada but thank you for reminding me so I can clear some room on the Credit Card (so fun moving) and try and get some Christmas presents from Online shopping! ;D
Jackie
I just saw pictures on the news of people camped out already, long lines for Black Thursday/Friday. They had tents, winter coats on and everything. I just get the chills thinking about it.
All of my shopping will be done online. Some of it is done all ready. Some will be done on Friday and on Cyber Monday.
I have always loved the holidays. Last year I did stop in walmart just out of curiosity my first time doing anything black fridayish. I'm so tired this year I am just hoping for the strength to get the house cleaned enough and dinner cooked for Thanksgiving. I to have done a lot of on line shopping, more than any year previously. The down side for me being its our first holiday season in our new home and I really want to go all out, decorating and stuff,lol, I'm thinking I need a nap just from thinking about it. wow, where did all that energy go, so much for being hyper
xoxoxo
I actually did Walmart last night. I got there a little early. It wasnt too bad as the store was already open, no waiting outside in a line. I got exactly what I wanted, two Nabi2 tablets for my little girls and some barbie toys, at a great discount. I was out of the store in 30 minutes. It was exciting! I had never shopped any black Friday events before.
Ark Mom we will always do what we can for our children. I won't have to even think about Black Friday this year, because for the first time I think in my life, I was sick as can be on Thanksgiving Day.
Me and my husband was suppose to go to one of my sisters for dinner, but the night before I already knew that would not be happening.
I had and still recovering from something intestinal. Not sure what it is or where it came from.
My youngest sister who also was suppose to be there couldn't make it due to coming down with bronchitis.
Poor dad probably wondered what happened to all of us. And my sister too that had cooked a lot. I had called her and let her know, and she said, "you are sick too?" .
I think she could tell though the way I sounded on the phone. I kept running a fever of over 100 for a long time.
I do remember one year my husband went alone to a Black Friday sale, but it's been years ago now, to buy at great discount a movie camera we wanted. He did get it without being there very long, and it was before things got so out of control
I mainly wanted it to take movies of his mom while she was still with us, but she never made it back to visit before she passed away.
My son and daughter in law usually go to them, because they don't have a lot of time together with his job hours right now, so I know they will make all day out of it with dinner later in the day.
I plan to order what I can this year do to my and my husband's health, and then pick up the rest of what I am looking for locally.
Um, I am with the one though about going to Jo Ann's. I could be all day in that store, and drop once I step outside. hehe.. I have the quilting bug now.
Me and my husband are in bad need of a new living room floor in our home, and have decided to install laminate flooring. We can save a bunch of money if we put it down ourselves.
Neither of us get around to good these days, but we are going to attempt this, and this is going to be our Christmas present together this year.
Happy Holidays!
susanep :)