Black Friday and Christmas giving

[iowahawkeyes]

In Des Moines the Jordan Creek Mall opened this morning at 12:01 AM. :shock: How many of you are going shopping today? I won't be. We are not big spenders for gifts any time of year and Christmas is no exception. I think it goes back to my youth, I got one present and a stocking. There was nothing wrong with that. Of course I always wanted more presents (what kid doesn't). When we had kids I bought a couple more but discovered that they didn't appreciate them anyway so why buy all that stuff.

As far as getting up so early, I'd rather spend the extra money and buy it on a Tuesday afternoon.

 

[Alice]

I've never been to a black Friday sale...but I know those that have and they said it's worth it for the entertainment alone. Personally, I'm so easily amused, I don't need to get up at that time to find entertainment.

I do spend pretty good at Christmas on my grandchildren. And, I did on my daughter...well, I still do. But, she's always been appreciative, even when she was in her terrible teen years. And my son-in-law...I don't scrimp on him, either.

And, now I shop online so I don't have to mess with the shopping crush in the malls. The nieces and nephews are old enough that receiving the gift everyone appreciates...cold, hard cash...does them quite nicely.

Before the grandchildren, I'd buy gifts for angels from the angel trees in lieu of gifts for my brother and sister and aunt and uncle. I'd pick 4 angels that hadn't been picked from the tree...the older kids that are harder to buy for.

I'd buy everything they wanted on their card...and I'd buy brand/designer names for them. It got to be fun, 'cause I'd go to stores and tell the sales clerks what I was doing, and they'd get into the spirit of it and I'd leave with brand names at bargain prices you wouldn't believe. Lots of times they'd gift wrap for free!

Hmmm, think I might brave a Fort Worth Mall this year and check out the angel tree, afterall. Remembering that calls up happy times. Can't pick 4 this time, but I can take care of one.

Alice

 

[Crowderfarms]

If any of Ya'll think these big retailers put money back into our hands, or back into our communities, well you and me need to talk. Not even Target with their BS propaganda. I think all of us as a Country ought to band together and cut way back with our patronage of big retailers during the Christmas Season.

On a further note, Christmas presents and Santa Claus are for kids. Christmas is a most important day for all Christians.Why do we see the public go hog wild over sales at a chain store, acting like animals? I'd rather pay a hundred bucks more to buy something when people half out of their minds are'nt out as Christmas Commandos racing from store to store.

 

[Calman]

Saw on the news this afternoon a clip of the store opening up and a feller rolling up a sleeping bag. Camped there all night, can ya just imagine. I have some private thoughts about fellers like that and they aint good.

Cal

 

[Calman]

By the way how did it ever get the name Black Friday?

Cal

 

[iowahawkeyes]

They are hoping to make a lot of money and will be in the black not in the red.

 

[Crowderfarms]

By the way how did it ever get the name Black Friday?

Cal

Retailers are in the "Black" instead of the "Red".

 

[Alice]

On a further note, Christmas presents and Santa Claus are for kids.

Exactly...shop the Angel trees, folks...even if it's for one present...please, shop them!

Alice

 

[Calman]

Thanks, I was thinking it was probably like a Martin Luther King day or something of the sort.

Cal

 

[Alice]

Thanks, I was thinking it was probably like a Martin Luther King day or something of the sort.

Cal

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

Ya' know, Calman, usually I enjoy reading what you have to allow...but, this time...Nah!

Alice

 

[Calman]

Well Alice i'm sorry ya feel that way,but I was really being honest. I had not a clue what black friday was so naturally I just thought it was a holiday for black people. I rekon I stay behind and missinformed.

Cal

 

[chrisy]

Cal I didn't know what black Friday was either looked on Wikipedia, tried to put a link over but it was not coming up right. it is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Friday_(shopping) if you are interested.....Chris

 

[andybob]

Heres something for everyone to think about. When have you ever gone to a birthday party and you were the one that received the gift?

Christ has been taken out of Christmas. Christmas no longer goes along with the words MERRY CHRISTMAS. Now back to the first statement. I cannot figure out how anyone is entitled to a gift on JESUS'S birthday. The only way it makes since is to give to those in need in the name of JESUS. We celebrate birthdays for everyone between CHRISTMAS AND NEWYEARS. Gifts ON Christmas DAY are given as unto the LORD to those in need.

I was at my brothers yesterday and it made me sick 25 year old kids demanding of him what they wanted for Christmas. Made me want to puke plain and simple.

Agreed Topkick, that is why a poor family in India are recieving two milking goats for Christmas, and our sponsored child in Africa gets new clothes and a teddy, I believe there are several christian organisations that run these programs, fortunatly our local church does, and it is a very effective way to help others in Jesus name, our family Christmas is always low key and centred on the church.

 

[Calman]

Cal I didn't know what black Friday was either looked on Wikipedia, tried to put a link over but it was not coming up right. it is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Friday_(shopping) if you are interested.....Chris

Thanks Chrisy,kinda makes me look like a fool i rekon for not nowing. But on the other hand I am just not into the shoping thing anyhow.

Cal

 

[Lammie]

I didn't go this year. I have been twice. Once to see what all the fuss was about and once to help my son get a lap top that he had been saving his money to buy. I won't go again. I would have to have a real compelling reason to go at any rate.

I would rather not get a present this year. Or if so, one for the family. I have even thought of taking a trip after the 25th as a family thing, and not having presents. The older I get, the more I want to just cherish my family this time of year instead of getting caught in all the hoopla.

 

[angie1]

This year, gift to family was the computer. My kids are good about accepting this ~ they have the things they need, and enough of what they want.

Went shopping in Black Friday once. There were several stores I wanted to go to ~ get all the great "deals", but eneded up in line instead FOREVER and didn't make it in time to get "early bird" specials. Sooooo, I was driving around, looking for a parking spot within a mile of the store I wanted to get to. After using 1/2 a tank of gas and way too much time, a parking spot opened close to the store. AH HA! I went to pull in and some guy jumps in front of the spot and spreads his arms out blocking my way. He was just teasing, and it was funny. Instead of laughing, like I should have (and would have under normal circumstances) it made me feel homicidal. If I could have made a gun with my thumb and forefinger, he would not have been celebrating Christmas with his family.......

Dawned on me then that this was not the craziness for me. I have never tried again. My sanity is worth more than "Buy one, get one free".