Say No To Shopping On Thanksgiving Day

I can’t believe we’re even having this conversation.

I am wholeheartedly, unabashedly against shopping on Thanksgiving. It’s just not right… makes what’s supposed to be a special day for appreciating what you have into just another shopping day. A celebration of materialism over tradition that’s the last thing we need in this country today.

If not for yourself, think of the poor staffers who have to work this holiday. Everyone should get a day off. It’s bad enough there are those who serve 24/7 (police, firemen, doctors, nurses and the like) who miss out on holiday celebrations, but to actively take this occasion away from employees (who need to earn) is really galling.

What are the other 360 odd days of the year not enough
to make money you greedy monsters? 

What’s wrong with being thankful for the stuff we already have
for one entire day before being pushed to shop for more?

This is yet another sign of our hyper connected, always on world. Everything’s instant, no one can wait, not even one day.

As you might expect, there’s at least one Facebook page, Boycott Shopping on Thanksgiving Day to keep you updated on what’s going on. A google search will probably give you some websites too though no one can say how big the no-shopping movement really is. The best programs are not asking consumers to boycott these retailers forever — these businesses are trying to keep up after all — just on Thanksgiving day itself.

Stay out of the stores. Stay the heck home.

And, ahem, we have technology. If you must shop on this day, use your technology. Shop online after you’ve had dinner and spent some time with family or friends. After you’ve taken a full, quiet moment to be grateful for whatever you have in life — everyone has something. Appreciating what you have has value.

If you truly can’t wait to begin the obligatory holiday shopping, use your computer, tablet or phone. Or get up absurdly early Friday morning and be the first in the door. Just don’t participate in the retail frenzy that’s ruining a wonderful American holiday and treating us all like sheep who see ads and thoughtlessly react.

C’mon people, we can do better than this!