Many of the stores are open late on Thanksgiving night this year to kick off Black Friday. I’ve asked my friends and family how they feel about this and most don’t have an opinion one way or the other yet. I’d like to offer some food (turkey, preferably) for thought.
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated by almost every American. It is a national day devoted to giving thanks for the abundance bestowed on us — abundance most of us work hard for, but appreciate nonetheless. It is celebrated in large part by families and friends gathering, sharing food and memories and laughter, watching football, and for once, just being together to enjoy each other’s company.
Now the country will have a new tradition. Instead of relaxing with the family over pumpkin pie and holiday music, half the dinner party will be packing up and heading home to get ready for Black Friday Eve. Either they will have to work at 9pm or will be running to the sales to try to get those deals they’ve always waited until Friday to get. Once a day of thanks, it is now a morning of thanks, afternoon of pre-sales napping, evening of standing in lines at big box stores, and night of pushing and shoving, running, competition, and most likely disappointment. Teens, get ready to experience working the graveyard shift! Mom, forget visiting with your kids and grandkids after working over the stove since early this morning. You’ve got to get shopping til the wee hours of the next morning! Dad, forget about the evening football game. You’ve got some deals to get to, you know!
After all, it wouldn’t be Christmas unless you’ve missed Thanksgiving shopping for it.
— Julie Burke, Naperville
