Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. The day where we gather with family and loved ones to show that we are thankful for all of the things that we have in life. First off, shouldn't we do that every single day? Each time we wake up and take a breath, we should give thanks. You've been given another day...be thankful!!! It's just like Valentine's Day. Don't make a big deal about the love you share with someone on that day. Make a big deal about it every day!
Let me get to the meat and potatoes of my rant.
For most of the month, my Facebook news feed has been filled with memes and statuses about how terrible it is to participate in Black Friday shopping. Then there are the posts that really chastise those who choose to shop on Thanksgiving evening. Oh the horror and blasphemy!!! <sarcasm>
Before you decide to judge me harshly for my words, know that I don't fully support either side of the debate. I lean more towards one side, but I won't tell you that you're wrong for leaning the other way. I just hope to shine some light of understanding on why I lean the way that I do. I understand the pros and cons of both sides. I know where I stand. You stand where you want. There is not a proper right or wrong on this subject.
I will say that do think it is terrible that some employers force their employees to work when they have family gathered together at home. I mean, if they don't at least try to find an employee who is willing to work on the holiday, that's crappy. On the flip side, nearly every job requires some sort of unfortunate sacrifice at one point or another. Just because the calendar says it's Thanksgiving doesn't mean you have to gather only on that day. Plan around your schedule if you are able. Sadly, this is the world we live in. It's not the same as it was when I was growing up. Back then, the entire city would shut down for holidays (and even on Sundays) and nothing was open. Not even gas stations.
One thing that many tend to forget is that not everyone has a huge family gathering to attend on Thanksgiving day. There are many that have no one at all. Those of you that are blessed with medium to large families seem to be the first to chastise others for being negative and grumpy during the holidays. Sure, when you have so much to be thankful for, it's easy to spew, "Be thankful for what you do have". Really? I think people have the right to be sad for the things that they don't have. Especially when they see and hear you gloat about all of the wonderful things you have and the amazing, large family that you get to share it with. Throughout my 30+ years, I've watched my family go from, "How are we going to fit everyone around the table for dinner," to, "Well, no one is coming over again this year. I wish (name of one of the many loved ones in heaven) were still here." Yes, I will be sad during Thanksgiving and even more so during Christmas. But that does not mean that I am not grateful for the things that I do have and the people that love me. It just means that I miss what once was. I'm allowed to feel those emotions. It's not like I could turn them off even if I wanted to.
I digress.
Shopping on Thanksgiving. I say if you have the money, go for it!!! I'm all about getting a great deal and saving money on things. My husband and I aren't blessed with a fat bank account, so I'm gonna jump at a bargain whenever and wherever I can get one. There is very little I wouldn't do to make sure our kids get some of the stuff they want for Christmas. My husband and I are blessed with great kids who understand that they are lucky to get anything at Christmas and are very appreciative of what they do get. Hell, our oldest son just asked me last night if he could give one of his guitars to his best friend. GIVE!!! God bless him and his compassion!
So for each one of you who has griped and spewed something about how Thanksgiving is the time to spend with your family, listen carefully. The family members that I see on Thanksgiving are the very same family members that I see each and every day. I spend time with them each and every day of the year. I don't grace them with my presence on the holidays only. That being said...if I want to go shopping at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving day, you can bet your sweet butt that I will. And I will be courteous and understanding of all the people who are working their shifts that day because I understand that they are probably sacrificing time with their families to be there.
(This next paragraph is my favorite. Read it twice if you have to.)
I hope that each of you who have put yourself up on that "holier than thou pedestal" leaves your cell phone, laptop, ebook and whatever electronic device you immerse yourself in at home and/or turned off on Thanksgiving day. Those things take more time away from your loved ones every freaking day of the year than they should! So if you don't like the thought of someone taking time away from families to do shopping, don't be the hypocrite that spends your time with family wrapped up in the world wide web. But...I am willing to bet that I see at least 20 of you posting periodically on the various social networks during your lovely gatherings on Thanksgiving, thus taking time away from your families. Be attuned to them, not just physically next to them. Live in the moment, not in the device.
I guess the main point that I'm trying to make is this: UNDERSTAND that everyone lives a different life. UNDERSTAND that Thanksgiving may just be like any other day to a lot of people. Maybe shopping among strangers will be the only gathering someone has on that day. Maybe milling around a crowded store is the only thing keeping a person from feeling miserably alone and lost in a country where so many are surrounded loved ones.
Sadly, we live in a very greedy world/time/country. And despite my rant, I won't be shopping on Thanksgiving day. I just get tired of all the drama this time of year brings. We are so quick to judge others when we really have no idea what their life is like. We have more judgement and harshness for others when we should have more compassion and understanding.
End rant.
Happy Thanksgiving to the masses and to those who are shopping on Thursday and/or Black Friday, I hope you find some amazing deals!!!
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