Black Friday--day of the dead.

I've never understood how Black Friday has always fallen on the day after we're supposed to be "thankful" for the things we have.  Most of us stuff ourselves silly with tons of food on Thanksgiving day and afterward go out and indulge in the purchase of material objects that very night.  Where's the gratefulness? Where's the humility? 

I don't want to poo poo those folks out there who are grateful for a day off and are grateful to sit down to a nice meal and actually talk to one another and think about things.  I don't want to blugeon those folks who are happy to be with family relaxing and visiting with one another and afterward, everyone goes home to rest.  I think the reality is, not many of us do that.  Not many of us talk with each other or think about anything too deep or promising because it's too painful or mentally laborious.  It's sad to think that during times when we need peace and reflection the most, we choose chaos and unrest.

To be at peace and be thankful is too much trouble when there are better things to do like go shopping at midnight on Thanksgiving evening.  How many of us are thinking about the fact that we can still afford to buy something even at a discount?  Are we thankful for the bargain or do we simply believe we deserve it?  How many of us have even wiped our mouthes dry and digested our lavish Thanksgiving dinners before we're ready to run out and indulge in the ability to spend money we supposedly don't have?  Most of us are buying into the idea that it's been a hard year. The economy sucks.  We've had to cut back.  If it were really all that bad, would any of us be able to walk out of those stores and across the parking lot with our carts over-flowing with ALL of those things we can't afford?

I think, even in difficult times, we're as greedy as ever to have what we want.  Maybe more so.  Why not really get on the bargain by staying home for once and choosing not to buy?