Sometimes low-key is the way to be . . .

I am not a person that clings to "this is the way we always do it." That's a sure path to disappointment.

So I'm pretty happy with whatever permutation of Thanksgiving ends up happening as long as there are mashed potatoes, pie and wine. And there always seems to be. Yesterday's festivities included a long bike ride, no dressing up (I wore my fave old softball all-stars sweatshirt all day) and my girls making me laugh so hard I was in tears. Of course, there were phone calls to MVP and Danger Boy because they weren't with us. 

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because I love family and food and a house full of people in a celebratory mood. 

I am so distressed about this year's move to have more and more stores open on Thanksgiving. My reasons for opposing this move are two-fold. First, it puts materialism before anything else. "Things" before "people" is the way I interpret this crazy, obsessive need to shop. Secondly, it shows no compassion or empathy for those that work retail and their right to enjoy their families. 

The backdrop to my annoyance is that I surmise that the decision-makers that have started this are Republicans. You know, the party of family values. Because nothing says "we value your family" like making you miss Thanksgiving with your family so that American consumers can fill their gaping maws of material desire 12 hours sooner than they might otherwise. 

 

 

Comments

[Aunt Snow]

We had a very unconventional Thanksgiving - just the two of us, we had salmon filet, steamed potatoes, brussels sprouts and quince-apple crisp (I posted about the last). We went out today only to take the dog the the dog park and then to eat lunch at a burger joint.

Strangely enough, as we drove home through winding Santa Monica mountain roads, we found ourselves constantly having to pull off to the shoulder to let road-rage speeding SUVs stuffed with cartons of things pass us. Chill out, people!

[Jan]

I agree that it is sad to see so many retail stores turning the holiday into a shopping frenzy. I also share your politics, but I think the on-line shopping has pushed the retailers to open earlier. And I have to admit, I have been one of those on line shoppers in the past...

[Cassi Renee]

We were a bit unconventional here too, having the feast on Friday for family reasons.

I hate Black Friday and all it stands for. I've never been much of a shopper, but the concept of "black" Friday takes a day that used to be an extension of the relaxed-time-together (some light shopping, a nice meal out, etc.) and morphed it into a day that is all about the buying, and no longer about enjoying the company of the people you're with.

[lanes]

Having had a retail job in the not so distant past -- and remembering actively loathing everyone who was in the store at 11:30 on Christmas Eve -- I cannot understand the appeal of shopping on Thanksgiving night or at 3 o'clock on Friday morning. It just seems wholly unnecessary, as well as completely disrespectful of employees who have to come in and refold sweaters.

Glad you and the fam had a wonderful day!

[falnfenix]

ugh, Black Friday shopping.

i went to three stores yesterday, but it was during normal work hours, and for things i actually needed. i also picked stores that aren't the traditional OMG MUST SHOP stores (basically: petsmart, petco, and a little local store). employees were relaxed, friendly, and downright chatty. what a change from the videos i saw from Walmart, Target, and the like.

[Jen]

I couldn't agree more, which is why I didn't buy a single thing!
Actually, I didn't even leave the house on Black Friday!

[jo(e)]

I don't get the shopping madness at all.

I'd much rather be home hanging out with family, just eating and talking and playing games.

[Karen (formerly kcinnova)]

I pity the employees who have to work on holidays. As someone who once worked in retail, it sucked to not be able to travel and spend the weekend with family.
You just inspired a post.

[Busy Bee Suz]

I've let go a lot of my holiday expectations over the years and that makes life so much easier. We never dress up for dinner at home either, comfort is key.
The black Friday shopping has never ever been a thing for me. I would never have thought to blame early shopping on a political party though. Our life/holidays are more commercialized than ever, that has been a downward spiral for decades. Very sad for all of us.

[CAM]

Really? Black Friday is now the Republican's fault? I guess the Democrats must be the "blame someone else" party. You really need to get over it. Jesus.

[CAM]

Oh, and for the record, I read your blog and cringed at your political ramblings and rantings during the election because I sometimes find you amusing.

However, now, that the election has passed and your candidate won and you're STILL making political statements I will no longer read. It's absurd that you're even trying to make a connection between Black Friday and the Republican party.

[Jenn @ Juggling Life]

CAM--Your email address is not correct, so I cannot reply to you via email. This is what I did say:

"No, it is not the Republican's fault. It is however, ironic as well as additional commentary on the hypocrisy of the Republican Party.

The out-of-control consumer culture of this country is the larger problem."

You are free not to read, just as I am free to write what I wish on my blog. Your hostility is definitely off-putting.

[Jenn @ Juggling Life]

If I wanted to elaborate further on the hypocrisy, I would point out that the Walton family supports the Republican Party, but fails to provide a work environment that allows workers to support their families.

Just because the election is over doesn't mean this country has no problems or that I will stop using MY blog to share MY thoughts.

[shrink on the couch]

I am in complete agreement with your entire post. Love Thanksgiving best for the family and food. Love laid back and no set rules for an enjoyable holiday. Traditions are great but not when there's an uptight-unless-done-right attitude. RE Black Thursday. There are so few holidays families can count on. This move saddens and infuriates me.

[mom taxi julie]

The best thing about my boring desk job is not having to work on holidays.

I love love love all holidays with my family.

[heisse camgirls]

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