Hey, I like a great bargain just like the next guy - maybe even more so. My two favorite words are: Free and cheap.
The clothing label I always buy: Clearance.
However, today - the deal day of deal days - is quite a different bird than being thrifty.
Let's be honest, it's about STUFF - not the just the deals.
I have even seen some reports that say that quite a bit of the shopping done on Black Friday is not even related to Christmas - that is, while we might pick up some gifts, the majority of the deals/gifts are bought for ourselves.
And in that regard I'm guilty as charged as well.
But in the end, regardless, the day itself is a testament to our Western (material) culture. People wait in lines, HOURS BEFORE stores open - to such a point that stores this year opened a day early! Why not? The shoppers would already be there, why not let them in and get their money sooner!
I'm not saying we shouldn't participate - though, it might not be a bad idea: Buy Nothing Day
I know the stores NEED this day, but is that really a good thing? A perhaps that's a question for a different day.
Instead, what I'm offering, challenging, is simply this: after all this shopping (regardless if it's for gifts or ourselves) let's not forget about those who are REALLY in need.
While we stand in line to get a great deal on a TV (that we really don't need), let us not neglect those who have no line to stand in for even fresh water.
No, I'm not trying to go the guilt route here (though if you do feel guilty, perhaps you should do some self-reflection as to why) but just to keep our minds in check. Most, if not all, of what we buy today is NOT a necessity to us.
A great way to help is through World Vision.
They got lots of cool gifts you can buy that will actually help someone, in many ways.
Peace and Love
Chris
A healthy balance is the key. If you're buying so much "stuff" for yourself that there is nothing left to give, then you are out of balance.
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