Forget Black Friday. I never shop on the day after T-Gives. (Yeah, I just used that.)
First of all, the deals just aren’t that great. They aren’t. I scoured the ads this year and didn’t find any deal even remotely amazing enough to get me out of bed at 3 a.m. to risk my life in the mob of insane shoppers. The savings are average at best, unless you are in desperate need of an expensive purchase, such as a washer and dryer (because let’s be honest, no one is in desperate NEED of a TV or iPod… maybe desperate lust, but not need), and for some reason you are opposed to Craigslist or saving money by buying products slightly used. Note: Most used washers and dryers at appliance stores have warranties. Just saying.
Second, there is something fundamentally wrong with the scene. Something serously disturbing. I mean, a 6-3, 270-pound man was KILLED by the mob at Wal-Mart last year. If that’s not a sign of the End Of Times, I don’t know what is. Black Friday used to be the day after Thanksgiving. Then it was the early morning after. Now, stores open up at 10 p.m. ON Thanksgiving day. Soon, needless consumerism hype will take over the entire holiday and become our surrogate family. Yeah, I sound like a Boulder hippie dreadlock-wearing hemp-wearing pop culture hater. What.
Instead, I prefer to do my shopping over the MONTH, in peace, with thoughtfulness and with an eye on supporting local artists and good causes. Yeah, I’m self-righteous. But I also value my sanity.
Instead of being dragged behind the racecar of Black Friday, check out this holiday market next weekend:
The Highlands Winter Market and Holiday Fair
www.marketandfair.hmbusinessgroup.com
This event features local arts, crafts, products and services, as well as charities. And no one has ever been mobbed to death by maniacs here, as far as I know.
TIP: If you have kids, make sure you don’t miss my new favorite local children’s clothing designer, Baby Bean. These clothes are high quality and the cutest thing in the world — well, other than the baby bean you put them on, of course.