Black Friday Traditions

A few weeks ago, I happened upon a Facebook post from a family friend espousing her disappointment that stores are opening on Thanksgiving evening again this year. She went on to say people who shop then are losing out on being with their families and how they are materialistic above all else. I dismissed it and did not comment or “Like” the post, but now that the big Turkey Day event is upon us in only a few days, her words keep echoing around in my already overloaded head.

Here is why I choose to shop on Thanksgiving evening and Black Friday. Years ago, I was really struggling to make it on my meager salary and being a single mother with two kids who had lists of electronics and clothing and gadgets dancing in their heads, I was determined to get a couple of deals. So, yes, I stood in lines and waited my turn and scooped up some bargains. But I didn’t stand in the lines alone. No, with my son being in the care of my best friend’s husband, she, along with my teen age daughter joyfully spent those hours TOGETHER. At that time, it was a matter of getting up and out before the crack of dawn. Now, we head out in the black of night.

We strategically plan the entire trip, including snacks and meal breaks. We laugh and share jokes and take all the time we want. It is a bonding experience like no other. And it doesn’t matter that we don’t have a lot of money to spend, that it may be minus degree temps, snowing, raining, unseasonably warm, that we gained weight or lost weight or lost a job, changed jobs, struggled through an illness. It just doesn’t matter. We are together. We are united in our efforts to keep in touch.

We have weathered the storms of life together and shared so many laughs. And it is absolutely a joy that my daughter joined our ranks and is part of this tradition. If not for her, the shopping trip would not be so enjoyable because she is the one who maps it and puts it all together, and I love her for that. I love that my best friend and her husband have come every year for at least 20 years every Thanksgiving. These are two people for whom I am thankful. And the feeling of thankfulness continues every single day thereafter.

Wouldn't it be a nice touch if our Leasing Offices opened up in those wee hours of the morning with a coffee and donut breakfast on-th-go on that most important day of sharing with a new Black Friday tradition?

This Thanksgiving ...

During the next few days, many people will be buying lots of ingredients for recipes they prepare once a year for a crowd of people they see once a year and offering prayers of gratitude they say once a year. For me, this is my favorite time of year. Not because of the food, not because of the people, and certainly not because I offer prayers of gratitude only once a year. For me, this is the time of year that reinforces my faith in all that has blessed me: the changing of the season from hot as hell to one as colorful as rainbows and sunsets. This is the time of year when my children and I share stories and dreams and wishes (even if we are all adults now.) This is the time of year where we gather to become present in the moment, in each other, in the goodness we have as a family.

Our family of three does not find relatives traveling many miles to see us (heck, they don’t even pick up the phone or email); my children pretty much grew up without any grandparents doting on their every milestone and sharing those cute little Brag Books to anyone who would look at them because their grandparents passed away when they were very young (except for their father’s mother who disowned us when their father and I divorced.) They grew up without a lot that others take for granted. We all grew up together and learned to rely on one another, trust one other to guide us in our decision-making which carries on today. My two probably figured out that Mom didn’t always know best the day I went to the Pound and got a dog (which, it turns out, was a great decision after all. Just saying.)

But at this time of year, I like to reflect on all that I know, all that I have, and all the joy I share in each day. Because when you hear those words that you aren’t in remission, the little things in life become all important. Because when you run (well, mostly only walk) your first 5K and do it without any feeling in your legs and excruciating pain in your feet that are plopping along in an unnatural pounding sound, you are grateful that you can still move at all. Because when you find that the Regional in your life treats you like you are nothing and worthless and stupid and he is sorry he listened to the company president and hired you, you are grateful to find the strength and courage to walk away, literally, and never look back. Because when you look around your new office and realize that the team you are training and building is exactly what this property needs, you are grateful for the opportunity to share your knowledge, enthusiasm, and talent.

For what, I ask you, are you grateful?