It’s that time of the year again. We’re in the midst of the few months that most people claim are the most wonderful time of the year. Thanksgiving was just celebrated and while the tradition used to be family gatherings, eating your weight in homecooked meals and giving thanks, times have changed and Thanksgiving has been given a new meaning these past couple years. This special holiday isn’t about spending time with your loved ones, but now is focused on the famous Black Friday; the day after Thanksgiving when almost every store has major sales.

My family has always had the tradition of going to my grandma’s house, eating a ton food and playing games – even making a night of it sometimes. Since I’ve gotten older, Thanksgivings have changed drastically for me. It seems that Black Friday comes earlier and earlier each year. I remember last year, when I was working as a cashier at Wal-Mart, I was scheduled from six to ten o’clock pm. I had to work in the madness of one of the most well-known supermarkets in the US. As you know, Wal-Mart already has some pretty crazy customers, even when it’s not a holiday. So, when I tell you that night was one of the most insane shifts ever, I’d assume you’d believe me. Not only was it crazy, but it opened my eyes as to what the Thanksgiving holiday had become.

When people think of the Thanksgiving holiday the most common things that come to mind are family, food, and giving thanks. That’s what this day is supposed to be about. Realizing what you have and appreciating it because as they say, you never know what you have until it’s gone. However, in the midst of all the shopping, people not only forget to be thankful, but seem to be greedier around the holidays. We’ve all heard the crazy Black Friday stories, many ending with fights and sometimes involving the police. Just because Best Buy has a sale doesn’t give people a reason to be selfish and forget their basic human courtesies.

Senior, Katie Kelley, does not participate in Black Friday festivities and said, “People get too crazy trying to get the best deal. Thanksgiving should be about being thankful for all that you have and not what all you can get on Black Friday.” She believes that spending quality time with your family and friends is more important than finding the perfect buy.

REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) outdoor gear and travel store, was not part of the Black Friday rage. The store encouraged  people to go outside and enjoy their friends’ and families’ company. Maybe other stores should take a note out of REI’s book and close up shop for the holiday next year. This might inspire more people to stay at home for Thanksgiving and worry about their Christmas shopping later. This crazy day is not the only time do get good deals on the newest items. Cyber-Monday and almost every day leading up to December 25th, stores have sales.

While everyone else is out dealing with long lines and grumpy crowds of sick people,  you could be at home enjoying a warm, home-cooked meal, basking in the joy of your family and friends. Thanksgiving shouldn’t be about checking off the items on your Christmas List, but about restoring the true meaning to the holiday; enjoying your loved ones company and truly being thankful for what you have next year.