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LOVE Thanksgiving - HATE Black Friday

  I Love Thanksgiving.  I love to spend the day cooking and being with my family and friends.  Thanksgiving.  Turkey, stuffing, greenbean casserole - apple pie, pumpkin pie (not my favorite)...and don't forget the cranberry sauce!  I love that there is one day of the year that most Americans sit back and think about what they are thankful for this year.  It's a day to be with the people you love the most.  Stuff your belly, have some laughs and just enjoy the company of your family and friends. 

  Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the 'Holiday Season'.....or at least it USED to.  It seems every year the holiday decorations, food, gift items, etc are out earlier and earlier and earlier....Before Halloween even!  Two of our local radio stations are already playing Christmas Music!!!  Really??  It's November 17th.....and I know that at least a week ago I heard Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on my car radio.  PLEASE let me get to Thanksgiving before pushing Christmas at me.

  I started realizing why the push to rush Christmas.......Retail Greed.  That's it.  There's NO OTHER EXPLANATION.  None.  If there were, then Black Friday wouldn't be an 'unofficial' holiday that (as I just read in an article) 34% of consumers will participate in.  I HATE Black Friday.  I'm all for saving some money on some good deals, but I have no desire to fight ANYONE in the crowds for ANY item I may want to purchase, no matter how good the deal.  The meaning of Christmas gets lost because of Retail Greed.  Whether your meaning of Christmas is religious, or of giving (notice I said 'giving', not buying) of gifts and love to your family and friends, Retail Greed is starting to make Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa all about Spend Spend Spend..and stores are Eating it Up! 
 
  Now, don't get me wrong, I do buy things for Christmas.  I love to buy gifts for my family for Christmas.  I love making my kids' wishes come true.  I like to spoil them.  What I DON'T like is the Frantic Crazy atmosphere of Black Friday.....do people really need a $4 toaster????  They will sell out though....'cause it's a great deal!

  I guess this year Black Friday just isn't good enough....some retailers have decided to 'top' all others and open their stores on Thanksgiving.  WHAT???  What happened to a day where people can spend with their loved ones.  NOW some people have to go into work at Walmart, Target, MACY's, ToysRUs and whatever other stores decide that making a few extra dollars is worth more than spending time with family and friends.  I refuse. 

I will not shop on Black Friday, can't remember the last time I did.  But people will.....in fact, 34% of consumers will.  I, however, will be spending the day with my family, eating leftovers, watching movies and football...heck, I may stay in pajamas all day.

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