I didn't brave Black Friday. It's just not for me I'm afraid. Since I'm a planner by nature (and by choice) I try and think ahead what my Christmas gifts will be for any given year. It's just not in me to stand in line for hours upon hours and face the often unruly crowds just for a bargain. Not sitting in judgment over you who love it or do it, like I said, it's just not for me.
One of my good friends did venture out into the mayhem that included both a visit to Target and Best Buy (and several other stores, too!). She snagged herself a fabulous deal on a huge flat-screen TV and some other electronic gifts as well. I was excited as I listened to her good-deal stories as she always shops with joy and purpose. Then she began to share with me something truly unbelievable... Apparently the two shoppers standing directly in front of my longtime friend got into an argument and a fight broke out. The police were called and they both went to jail.
Are you kidding me?
The fight was over a Magnavox TV and the man (who was 50 plus) said the woman (who was 70 plus) was purposefully shoving the box (that was in her cart) into his back.
My friend added..."Rebecca, there was noticeable screaming and yelling over sold-out merchandise and people laying across boxes of STUFF so no one else would 'get it'. Grown men and women cutting in line, shoving carts into other shoppers and children crying and waling because they were sleep deprived... Ugly words, terrible attitudes and mad-as-hornet shoppers were everywhere..."
Are you kidding me (again!)? Seriously!?
What has become of us?
I was so happy I stayed home.
There is absolutely nothing on this planet worth me losing my dignity or self respect over.
Nothing.
As I thought about the thousands of people fighting for the best deals, clamoring to find the 'perfect' gift at the lowest price possible I couldn't help but think how many of them were missing out on the most treasured gift of all. God's Son, Jesus Christ. His Love. His Peace. His Grace. It is, after-all, His Birthday we are suppose to be celebrating.
I thought is was called CHRISTmas!
Maybe people are getting confused and think it's called GIFTmas!?
This morning I read a short devotional that shared some of the wisdom of Mother Theresa of Calcutta. She, of course, chose to spend many, many years serving some of the poorest, most wretched people on earth. Every day she was surrounded by the sick, the hungry, miserable and afflicted. And, even though she owned no property and possessed not a smidgen of worldly wealth, she always wore a smile. She held true joy within her heart as she humbly shared the love of God with people who needed it so desperately.
Long after I read the story of this amazing woman one of her quotes kept returning to my mind...
"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile..."
~~*~~
Blessings as you shop and gift with JOY...
Love to you~
20 comments:
I read in the paper there was a big fight over some electronics here in Richmond - the police had to break it up. There is nothing on earth I want badly enough to go into those mobs. I went to Target Saturday and it was nearly empty - now that's *my* kind of shopping :)
Mary
Thank you for this post!
So true! He is the REASON for the SEASON! We try very hard to remember that even in the hustle and bustle!
I've visited your blog a few times and always enjoy your posts. I had to leave a comment today because I so agree with all you said.
Even though we don't have "Black Friday" here in Canada, I see the emphasis of Christmas so misplaced by the overspending and stressed out exhaustion so many experience.
I really like how you used "giftmas" to describe this time of year. Sadly, it's become so true even among Christians. It's definitely time to bring Christ back to this season.
Thanks for a great post!
Sandra
Ravenhill Cottage
I am with you....it is not for me either! That kind of behavior is ridiculous! People forget what this season is all about. Thanks for your info on the paint in your last post! I am off to Hobby Lobby tomorrow!~Hugs, Patti
Rebecca! Can you believe it!?! You could not PAY me to go out into those crowds. There is NOTHING that I want that much! Unbelievable the way humans lower themselves right into the animal world...snarling and fighting to claim their "rightful position". As for me and mine- we will stay home~ xo Diana
It is not often but yes, I have lost my dignity a time or two. But i've learned valuable lessons in those times. But over a materialistic thing, NO WAY. You simply can't tell anything in a store is worth more than anything I hold dear to my heart. Not a thing. I can't imagine the behavior of these people. I for one, NEver do black friday. I don't think it's worth the accident getting to and from, the insults slung at one another in the isles, listening to the little ones scream and cry because they are tired, bored or hungry. It just is not worth it.
i'd rather sit at home and make a nice gift to give or buy ahead. I love everything about Mother Theresa dont' you. What an unbelieveable woman. Truly a saint while here on earth and taken long before anyone would ever want her to be. I don't think we ever have those ones long enough.
Hugs
Tammy
I did go to my favorite book store in Denver to pick up TEA TIME, as it is so difficult to find here. No mad rush, just people reading and friendly help with a short wait of one person ahead of me checking out. Just like every other time I've been there. Enjoyed my time with Sarah, Alex, and Ali.
Wonderful tribute to Mother Theresa.♥♫
No Black Friday for me! Not in a million years!
For the most part, we don't exchange Christmas gifts in our family. I usually make something for my MIL...and last year, we made donations to several charities in honor of our parents. My hubbin and I don't exchange gifts. If we had children, it would be different, of course...but since we're all adults, it's so nice to avoid the stress of having to find the "perfect gift." We enjoy good food, time together, the lights, the music and our memories. It's still my favorite time of the year!
Kathy
Even if the stores were giving things away for free you still would not catch me out there. Deep down I think it is because I don't want to see the ugliness of it all. Nothing is worth that.
I stayed home, cozied up on the couch in my jammies and thanked Jesus for all of his blessings he has bestowed on my family and thanked him for his love. I loved that you mentioned Mother Theresa because for some reason I have been thinking about her almost daily. She was truly a Saint on Earth.
Hugs, Sue
No Black Friday for me either! I don't know what people are thinking ... fighting over items.
Since Amber went to Heaven Christmas is not the same :( We buy our daughter Jennifer and her husband a few gifts but my husband and I haven't bought each other anything in several years. If we want something why wait until Christmas.
I love this post! People need to remember the REAL meaning of Christmas!
Hugs,
Donna
Even if I had been well enough to venture out on Black Friday, I would not have. It makes no sense to me the violence and rudeness that goes on this day.There is nothing material in this world that is worth that fuss.
Oh Rebecca, isn't it terrible what the holidays have come to? There was also a woman who used pepper spray on people, so she could snag an x-box for herself. Some people have truly lost the real meaning of CHRISTmas. You couldn't pay me to go to the Black Friday sales. There is nothing materialistic that I need that badly. I like the idea of something homemade.
Hugs,
Debbie
what kind of example are these people setting for their children, what about accountability to the Lord and to themselves? I can't imagine seeing 'grown ups' behaving so miserably over a gift. It saddens my heart to know they are missing the real joy.
You know what really gets to me? The thought of those kids out in the mayhem. What electronical thing could possibly be worth putting your child in that situation???Surely home and being safe and warm in bed is worth more...
Blessings to you!
lynn
No way would I be caught in the stores on Black Friday. I know the meaning is that the stores are in the black on that day. But I think it also shows how black some peoples attitudes and priorities are becoming. Not everyone of course. I love the sayings of Mother Teresa! She could teach us a lot if we would just listen. I am not a big shopper anyway. But that would be torture for me.
Hi Rebecca,
I so agree with you about Black Friday. If I would not have had to work that day...I would not have gotten out in all of that. Matter of fact, my husband drove me to work that morning....it was 2:00 am. when we pulled up to the store I actually started crying and I asked him if this could be my last year to do this. That's how much I don't like it. Also I had been sick all night til 11:00 and had to be up at 1:00. (stomach virus) We can't call out on that day or we will be fired. I worked a 12 hour shift. It was so hard and seeing people being greedy made it even harder. The true meaning of Christmas was not felt that day at all. I couldn't wait to get home. I did make top sales out of the whole store again though but to me it wasn't worth it. Hope I don't have to do it again next year. 11 years is way too long.
I'm trying to re-coup so that I can get some decorating done around the cottage. I love the idea of painting the Christmas tree. Your's turned out so pretty and realistic. I can't wait to see it all decorated. I know it's gonna be beautiful!
Hugs
Lee Laurie
Rebecca,
I used to be a Black Friday shopping Diva!! BUT that was when the stores opened at 7 am and that was considered early. I would be waiting outside Hills Department store with a mere 20-30 people to make my run for Power Rangers or Tennage Mutant Ninja Turtles....
LOL!!
Now it is crazy!! People were camping out in tents in front of our Best Buy for 2 days!! Crazy and I would rather pay a bit more than go through all of that!!
I am posting my Home Tour over on my Christmas blog, doing room by room. If you have a chance , stop by!!
Hugs,
Deb
My thoughts exactly. I dont buy gifts at Christmas. I tell everyone not to buy me anything either. Its Jesus birthday!
Hope you are having a blessed holiday season.
xoxo
Kerri
I admit it! I did get out in the crowds..but just for my 99 cent poinsettia's. Was it worth it? Well, yes. It was cold and blustery and I had a good friend with me. No..not the gift giving part. I didn't go to the malls except to buy my chairs...but actually I just wanted to LOOK! Honest..and it wasn't crowded when we got there..and like I said...I blacked out. :)
Hugs!!
Mona
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