Ah, Black Friday: a day that seems to elicit either pure excitement or total disdain from everyone. You’ve got your hardcore shoppers—those who suit up with headlamps, boxing gloves, and even helmets to tackle the crowds in search of the best deals. They’ll stay up all night filling their carts, skipping Thanksgiving dessert just to stand in freezing lines for a $50 discount on the latest gadgets or that must-have toy for their kids, which is bound to sell out.
And sure, I get it—it can be thrilling and even feel like a workout. But honestly, I can’t shake the feeling that Black Friday has spiraled out of control, and I’m saying this as someone who loves to shop.
One year, just before Thanksgiving, I caught a conversation between a Target manager and his staff. “I know it’s tough,” he said, “but we can make it fun! We’ll have a credit card contest, wear Santa hats, and bring cookies!” Seriously? Giving up Thanksgiving dinner for that chaos sounded really sad and completely opposite of what the holiday is meant to represent—togetherness and gratitude. Retail workers deserve to enjoy the holiday with their families, too.
So, if you’re not a fan of this shopping frenzy and think we’ve gone a bit too far just to snag a deal, you’re not alone. In fact, the day after Thanksgiving—originally dubbed Black Friday in 1966 by the Philadelphia Police due to the massive crowds—has lost its charm in many places. According to marketing expert Lisa Greene, “Black Friday has become less significant.”
Why? Because it’s no longer the one day you could snag the best bargains. Retailers have started rolling out big discounts not just during Thanksgiving week but all year round. So, consumers have chilled out a bit, choosing to enjoy their Thanksgiving meals instead of rushing to the nearest store.
Plus, let’s not forget online shopping! Who doesn’t love lounging in stretchy pants after a big meal and snagging deals from the comfort of home? According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are still planning to spend a ton of money; it just won’t all happen on one day. Greene also noted, “Consumers have realized that even if they miss out on Black Friday deals, there will always be more opportunities in the weeks ahead.” That’s great news for those of us who prefer not to fight through crowds and instead cherish quality time at the dinner table.
So, kick back, grab another turkey leg instead of hauling yourself to a packed store. Sip on some spiked eggnog and listen to Uncle Joe ramble on about whatever. You can relax knowing those deals are going to stick around after Black Friday, too.
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Summary: As Black Friday loses its appeal, many shoppers are opting for a more relaxed holiday experience. Retailers are spreading out discounts throughout the year, allowing consumers to enjoy Thanksgiving without the stress of shopping. If you’re also navigating family planning, Make a Mom offers at-home insemination solutions and a supportive community.
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