Tis the Season to Spray Pepper Spray...

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Please forgive my absence, but I have not been feeling too great.  Seeing that I usually get sick when:

• My husband is on a road trip
• Our schedule for the week is packed with activities.

Thankfully Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October...so I didn't have to worry about cooking a huge meal for anyone.  I did celebrate a bit by wearing my pajamas for most of the day.  I tried watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade...but that made me feel like a big sloth.   It does not feel appropriate to watch a parade in your pajamas on a regular Thursday morning...while everyone outside your door is either working or being productive.  So I sat in my pajamas and watched an episode of The Real housewives of Beverly Hills.  Much more acceptable!  

Because Canada celebrated Thanksgiving last month...there is not too much ado about Black Friday.  Not too many people standing in lines at 3:00 am when they are expected at work at 8:00 am! 

So let's talk about Black Friday.  Do you participate in this frenzy each year? Today I want to talk about my thoughts on this ridiculous annual event.  

WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?

I certainly can tell you my mom never shopped on Black Friday.  She was a single mother, and we were lucky to have the gifts we did on Christmas morning.  Santa always filled our stockings with shampoo and conditioner, bubble bath, razors, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hairspray and hair clips.  These were basic necessities that my mother would have had to purchase anyway...but they were gifted to us as Christmas presents.  We would receive clothes we needed, hats and gloves we needed, and a few toys we wanted.  Never once do I look back on my childhood and feel like I was unloved or under-gifted. 

SERIOUSLY?  

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Since when did Santa put everything you asked for under the tree? These mothers are feeding the "I want" monster...and giving it dessert as well! 

LOOK FAMILIAR?

  

If you are one of those people who slept out, waited with a huge group of people in a parking lot, or pushed through a door and acted all crazy on Black Friday...then I expect you to have more compassion for those willing to do the same in your local downtown park.  Whether you share the same beliefs or not...you both have experienced the hardship of finding a restroom to use in such a big crowd! 

DO YOU EVER GET THE FEELING?

As consumers, we are paying enough of a mark-up...that they can mark items way down and still make a profit?  How can you not buy a new 46" flatscreen TV to replace your small 38" flatscreen TV you bought last year on Black Friday...it is 20% off! Buy 2 shirts, get the 3rd for 50% off.....you may only need one shirt, but if you spend $32.00 more, you will get two shirts you don't need.  What is better than one Buzz Light Year toy that is 45% off?.....seven of them!

GOT WAFFLES?

If you live in Arkansas and get a waffle-maker from your Cousin Emily...it only cost her $2.00.  But she went to war and back to get it for you!

On a side note, to the woman in the blue shirt....you should forget about the waffle-makers and head over to aisle six...the belts are on sale too! 
WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE AGAIN?
Unemployment is at a record high.  Gas prices are at a record high. Home foreclosures are at a record high.  Credit card debt is at a record high....yet according to this article, this year's Black Friday sales broke a record and are up 7% from last year.  I cannot help wonder about the 11.4 billion dollars this article says was spent on Black Friday.  How much of that 11.4 billion was put on credit cards...to be worried about after the holidays are over.  

Since I choose to stay at home with my children, we are a family that relies on one paycheck to pay our bills.  We are fortunate that my husband is able to make a good living in Hockey.  But living in Canada (high-cost-of-living)...we are feeling a crunch this Holiday season...like many of you.  Why do people feel the need to go into debt to give presents that are not needed?  

My children do not need any more toys.  They both have iPods, they both have more clothes than they can wear in a month, their coats and snow pants from last year still fit, they have gloves and hats to keep them warm, and the wii has an inch of dust on it.  What my kids do need is the thrill of staying up too late with their cousins on Christmas eve, too much egg nog, homemade sugar cookies and sticky candy canes, and a small present under the tree to keep the magic of Santa alive for another year
So forgive me if I sound like a Scrooge....but the last time I checked, Christmas was a time to spread peace and joy...not spread pepper spray!

(even that is discounted this Holiday Season! )

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