Black Friday

Today is Black Friday.  Did you participate in the shopping extravaganza?  I didn't.  Nor do I intend on participating on Cyber Monday.  Why? Because I don't believe either day is cracked up to be what it claims to be to the holiday shopper.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday use to be the days where consumers could find deep discounts on items.  Everything from clothes to electronics had purchase prices that warmed the heart and left the pocketbook somewhat in tact.  However, in the last few years, I've noticed Black Friday has transformed into Black Thursday - infringing on the Thanksgiving holiday - and not providing those fabulous sales it once did.  In fact, my studies have show the best sales are actually not on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

I guess I've become smarter with my shopping dollars, though some may argue "cheaper."  I do my research, and with the changes in technology (i.e. smart phones), it is easier to find out where and when those incredible sales can be found.  I admit I don't own a smart phone (though I'll probably purchase one before 2014 comes to an end), but I'm still able to lock down those Black Friday and Cyber Monday busting discounts after the crowds have dispersed and normal holiday shopping has resumed in December.

Probably the pivotal moment for me was a few years ago, I actually decided to participate in Black Friday - for the first time in my life.  Silly me... I thought heading to the stores an hour before it opened would give me the time to find a parking spot and get in line.  That was definitely silly of me.  Not only could I find a parking store, but the hordes had already swarmed the entrances.  There were actually blockades in front of the entrances to keep shoppers from pushing their way in sooner than they are supposed to do.

Once inside the store, it was mayhem.  People shouting, running, and pushing.  These behaviors soon turned to yelling, shoving, and grabbing items out of others' carts or out of their arms.  It was insane.  I knew then and there... I'll pass.

For me, the holiday season isn't about shopping for the $200 HD television that is regularly priced at $900.  The holidays is more about laughter, enjoying the company of those I love, and buying 1 or 2 items that are so personalized in nature that when that wrapping paper is removed - a smile instantly appears.  No need to verbalize anything because the expression on their faces says it all.

I'll skip Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  Nothing is worth watching adults grapple for a $20 Blu-Ray player.

How about you? Did you part-take in the Black Friday or Cyber Monday mayhem?