I love Thanksgiving. I do. It is my favorite holiday. I love it because it is (supposed to be) about family, food and gratitude.
Photo Credit: Delish.com
Except lately, it seems like it is about shopping, shopping, shopping.
Last year when stores announced they were going to open at midnight on Black Friday, I thought it was a bit ridiculous.
But it is progressively getting worse. This year, some stores have announced they’re opening ON Thanksgiving.
So my question is, is that really necessary?
Is nothing sacred anymore?
Do we really need to force people to work on one of the rare days they can get off to be with their families?
Don’t get me wrong, I love shopping. I do. But, I think there is a limit to consumerism and I think making people work on Thanksgiving is it. I mean, if people want to work and are being compensated appropriately, that is one thing, but if people wish they were off and are forced to work— then that is just ridiculous.
I hope not many people will head to the stores. If people shop, then stores will keep doing it.
There are people who HAVE to work— people like police officers, bus drivers, doctors, but those are necessary workers. We need them. Do we NEED to go shopping on Thanksgiving? No, we really don’t.
If you really want (or need!) to shop, there’s always the internet.
Every year, it feels like Christmas is earlier and earlier, next year will it be in October?!
This year, stores had Christmas decorations up on November 1st. It’s like they skipped Thanksgiving all together. I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to think about Christmas right after Halloween. Give me some time to breath for cryin’ out loud. Let me have my turkey, my pumpkin pie, my Fall colors. I’m just not ready.
I won’t be going to stores on Thanksgiving Day. I will be doing what I’m supposed to be doing: spending time with my family, eating delicious food and being grateful for the things I have.
What will you be doing on Thanksgiving? Will you be shopping? or avoiding the stores? Leave your thoughts below, or tweet me, @dianalimongi
