One Holiday At a Time, Please!
I was in a large department store over Labor Day weekend this year and found myself caught in some sort of time-space continuum. No, I mean it. From where I stood there was an aisle of summer closeouts: barbecue equipment, patio furniture, and beach towels. On another aisle, back-to-school items were present and accounted for. A third aisle featured Halloween decor and candy. And on the fourth aisle: Christmas lights!
Two things came to my mind immediately. First, for the love of God – it’s still August! And second, where the hell did Thanksgiving go?!
And that’s when I came to the realization that as a nation of consumers we have taught advertisers and big-box retailers that we are willing to go from one sales-centric holiday to the next, with the Mount Everest of Black Friday looming at its pinnacle.
And now Black Friday is creeping into Thanksgiving Day. I am not happy about this!
Fall – in particular, the time between mid-October and Thanksgiving – is my favorite time of year. (Okay, I get it, I’m in Southern California. We don’t have real weather. Still, go with me on this.) The days get shorter, the nights get longer, and things begin to slow down a bit. Right before they slip into hyperdrive – that period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Let me enjoy it! Can we not celebrate Labor-Ween-Thanks-Mas??
Since Thanksgiving is typically about family and friends – no big bucks to be made from turkey dinners – it seems to have vanished altogether anymore.
I say we take it back. I say we protest. How about a post turkey dinner glass of wine, feet up and good conversation instead of a trip to a store. Don’t drink? Then coffee and an extra large slice of pumpkin pie. I even understand there might be a football game or two that day. Whatever your choice is, JUST STAY HOME. Say no to retail. Focus on what you have to be grateful for and surround yourself with it, even if only for just today.
Don’t want to miss out on the Black Friday deals? Try online shopping! Here are a few great sales from Lessons in Joyful Living.
copyright Kimberly Rinaldi
