Black Friday has only a few hours remaining. I personally didn’t take part. But then I haven’t for a few years now. It just isn’t the same. Once again, it is probably an age thing with me. Or just a tradition that is disappearing.

This day was always like a holiday in itself. Back in the day, you woke up early, grabbed a bite to eat, and took off for the day, either alone or with a friend for support. There was no such thing as getting through Thanksgiving dinner with family or friends, and then taking off to shop that night. It was about sitting back, watching football or playing games. Or doing nothing at all. Just enjoying each others  company.

We never stood in lines for 2 days, or for that matter, started Christmas shopping in the summer. My how things have changed. I am far from living in the past, since I do cyber shop and own modern technology. Black Friday to me, however,  always was something to look forward to. It was the next step before getting to the Christmas holiday, the official start of the seasonal shopping experience.

Why did I stop shopping on this day? Partly due to changing behaviors of people in our society. Rudeness took over for Christmas spirit. Fighting over who had their hands on an item first became more the norm than not. People barging into lines and just having no common courtesy, basically did it in for me. What used to be a fun experience of a traditional event, lost its appeal.

I now prefer to take a day or two off from work and go early, very early, to get my shopping done. No more crowds for me. Going to the mall starts really early, as soon as stores open. Then around lunch time when it picks up, I call it a day.

Let’s face it, the holiday season itself has taken on an entire new life. I’ve learned to be flexible, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. The world has changed. People have too. Plans change and obviously, so do traditions. I see it in my family. Now, that this day is almost over, we can just move ahead, and continue preparing for December 25th. Everyday is Black Friday, until then!