Chaos has its own holiday

Its that time of year again, line waiting, aggravated crowds, and deals, deals, deals. Students from universities around the country rush home to soak up family bonding time; you know, that special time waiting in the WalMart line surrounded by the frigid November air at two in the morning. At least this seems to be the norm sweeping the country. However, this writer, in a sort of Cindy Lou Who state of mind, is wondering where has the Thanksgiving spirit gone?
 
The holiday shopping season kickoff, known as Black Friday, is just a few short days away and the promotions have already begun. JC Penny has been made the most notable of these promotions boldly opening its doors at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving day.
 
After visiting JC Penny online, I instantly was exposed to percentages in eye-drawing fonts and color schemes that bolster phrases like, “$500 off” and “super-savings coupon,” it is clear that the store is attempting to draw in masses of Black Friday shoppers with incredible deals.
 
Now, it is understandable that these deals allow less-fortunate people to get gifts for loved ones at a very reasonable price. However, at what point do we stop sacrificing time with loved ones to get them material items? It seems that we sacrifice more each year and allow the “holiday shopping season” to start earlier and earlier.
 
But, credit to where credit is due, the stores that open its doors on Black Friday or before (looking at you, JC Penny) with slashed prices for the holiday season are proving to be efficient when it comes to advertising against competition.
 
The idea of standing in line out in the cold among the masses just to get a good deal never appealed to me. For me, the holiday season has always been about cramming loved ones under one roof, embracing cousins for the first time since last November, listening to my dad retell the same stories every year with just a tad more embellishment, a house echoing with laughter, and the simplicity of being together. It has never been about the materials to be possessed, but rather the intangibles that come with being together.
 
However you choose to spend your holiday season, be it standing in line under the lights of a storefront or in a warm house with the comfort of loved ones, I wish you a happy holiday season full of giving thanks!
 
Happy Holidays
 Ty Fiesel

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