I’ve only ventured out among the early-bird Black Friday shoppers a handful of times, and that was enough to know it isn’t for me. I remember standing in long lines before sunrise, watching crowds rush through store doors the moment they opened, everyone chasing that once-a-year deal. It was a fascinating sight—part tradition, part frenzy—but also something I decided I didn’t need to experience again.
These days, I do my best to avoid any kind of shopping on Black Friday. That includes skipping stops at the gas station, grocery store, or anywhere else that might be busier than usual. It’s not that I don’t appreciate a good bargain—I do. But the stress, the crowds, and the parking lot chaos just don’t feel worth it. I’d rather spend the day enjoying the quiet after Thanksgiving, maybe taking a walk, watching football (Da Bears play this afternoon and my Hoosiers take on the <em>evil</em>Boilermakers of Purdue this evening), or simply relaxing at home with my wife.
What I’ve learned is that peace of mind is worth more than any discount. Black Friday tends to turn people into competitors, each of us trying to grab the last of something before it’s gone. I prefer to step back from that energy and focus on gratitude instead of consumption. After all, the holiday season is supposed to be about connection, not cart totals.
If I do decide to do some shopping, I wait until Cyber Monday. Sitting at my computer with a cup of coffee, browsing deals from the comfort of my home, is much more my style. No crowds, no traffic, no frantic energy—just me, my laptop, and a few good discounts. It might not be as exciting as the Black Friday rush, but it feels a lot saner. For me, that’s the best deal of all.
PHOTO CREDIT: Credit and debit cards. (by Ruslan1319 via Wikimedia)
