UNITED STATES—The National Retail Federation (NFR) has unleashed a poll projecting that at least 135.8 million (58 percent) people definitely will or might shop this Black Friday, which includes shopping online and in brick-and-mortar stores. That number was actually met with a 151 million (61.7 percent) shoppers who have spent an estimated $299.60 each on holiday purchases, according to the company.
Although hunting for those ubiquitous sales aren’t quite the same as it used to be, many retailers have chosen to forego the post-Thanksgiving dinner festivities to leave shoppers to actually spend time with their loved ones and give thanks. Other retailers, on the other hand, are still drawing in more consumers who would rather trample people to get to the hottest sale.
Thanksgiving is a season of giving, as is Christmas. Although the true meanings of both holidays have given way to more altruistic purposes, “the season of giving” has become more “the season of taking” these days. It seems as though the more we give in to our consumeristic whims, the less gratitude we have for the little things (and people) that actually matter in our lives.
Not to say that I wouldn’t enjoy a Christmas gift in the shape of a car, this year, but when has the true meaning of Christmas changed? A day that was and still is celebrated as something “holy” to some, has become a season of materialism, greed and prices flashing in my face every time I walk into a store or turn on a television. I get it, companies have to make money. However, where has the sanctity gone?
Not everyone is religious and not everyone celebrates the holiday at all, which is quite understandable. Although the idea of giving thanks and the true meaning of Christmas has been replaced with a more consumeristic holiday than ever before. Whatever you believe, celebrate the holidays however you want. However, it’s also important to be mindful that the best things in life don’t come in plastic packaging.