Tuesday, November 22, 2005

~~ BLACK FRIDAY~~

“Black Friday”

November 25 to some is a day off work.. the beginning of the holiday shopping season a time to rush out early to get all those great early bird deals… to enjoy a long for day weekend.. BUT to many of us who work retail it is BLACK FRIDAY !!!!

Black Friday is the longest day of the year for those of us working retail.. we don’t get the 4 day weekend.. a lot of us don’t even get Thanksgiving or Christmas off so we can serve those last minute shoppers.. Which to most retailers is more important then letting their associates be home and spend time with their families.

Don’t get me wrong.. I am thankful that I have a job and I get a steady paycheck.. But I am a firm believer that FAMILY should come first and foremost in our lives. Yes we need money to survive.. so many thing depends on it.. But for the most part I do not like money and what it does to people.. Look around at nature and animal.. These both survive with no money… yet they thrive.. how so.. mostly they rely on a strong support group.. whether it be called a herd, a flock, a school or a pride.. it still is a social group consisting of friends and/or family members. The all mighty dollar has no control.. there is no need.. it is the basic of survival.. it is the bond we share of this earth.. be it man or beast.. We can learn so much from nature and wildlife.

I wish there was a way to out law Black Friday.. I know you may be thinking this statement is ridiculous.. and I am sure you haven’t work retail before either. Black Friday is an extremely stressful day for all.. whether your working of shopping. The only reason it is such a bad day if because so many have it off and take advantage of the time from work. So retailers know this and hence the ads .. the early bird specials.. the blitzs… the midnight madness sales.. Time that could be spent with loved one.. is now spent going crazy shopping. I like to shop as much as anyone.. mainly window shopping.. material things don’t mean that much to me.. sentimental things do.

I would never have imagined the things I have witness since working in retail for almost 13 years. I have witness anger… hate.. greed.. fights.. accidents.. it has gotten so bad that most store have police offices with in the store this day because they end up calling them anyway because of fights and riots that break out.. people getting mad a peeing on buildings.. pushing people.. even children.. there have even been cases of people getting killed in car crashes trying to rush to the next big sale to get that item… that big item everyone wants.. But is it really worth a life.. Life is too precious a gift to take so for granted. I would rather sit in an empty room with those I love then for someone to get hurt trying to get me something.

We all fall victim to wanting to get they perfect gift for someone.. we all spend too much money during the holiday season and we tend to forget the important things.. what this season is all about.. no matter what your beliefs.. this is a time to rejoice.. to celebrate the reason for the season .. Look around at the love that surrounds you.. look at your family and friends.. look around at the things that are important.. enjoy life and this holiday season for it is all about LOVE .. you can’t find it in a sale ad.. you can’t find it at the early bird sales.. You can however find it all around you.. Embrace it.. share it.. and have the happiest and safest holiday ever.


“SPREAD THE LOVE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON”