Have We Lost Our Minds?
By Kathleen A. Matchunis, CPC
Thanksgiving is one of those wonderful American holidays which can be celebrated, regardless of race, religion, or creed. The purpose of this holiday is to gather together with our loved ones and give thanks. So, why do retailers insist on opening their stores on Thanksgiving Day? Isn’t there enough that is distracting us from our loved ones and tearing our families apart? It is insidious how this has occurred. First, there were only one or two stores open on Thanksgiving Day and now this year we see that a lot more stores have followed suite.
What does this change say about our society? Has shopping and getting a special deal become more important than being together with our loved ones? Is it so hard to wait until Friday morning to shop? Heck, if you really want to get a good deal, you can shop online without compromising family time, and still get your shopping done.
We cannot blame this on retailers because retailers just respond to customer needs. So, if you want to stand up for a special day of family time together, restrain yourself and stay out of the stores on Thanksgiving. If retailers see that it doesn’t pay to open their stores on Thanksgiving Day, perhaps they will rethink their policies. Our actions will dictate whether stores continue this policy or not.
We wonder why we have so many young people who are disconnected, angry, suicidal, and violent. This is just another chip that has been chiseled away from our family structure. I’m not saying that one dinner will change your family’s life, but Thanksgiving is a great reason to gather together and be grateful for our blessings with family and friends who may not have family in town.
What is next? Will stores be open for Christmas and New Year’s Day? Will we just all turn into shopping maniacs?
Live mindfully and consciously. Our actions will determine whether this policy will become permanent. Please consider boycotting all stores that are open on Thanksgiving Day! Give people a chance to be with their families and give thanks. If you are not able to be with your family, consider volunteering to reach out to those who are less fortunate and count your blessings!
Are you fed up with the commercialization of holidays? Wouldn’t you like to maintain some holiday traditions?