The day after Thanksgiving and things at the office have turned to absolute slowness. As I do not work retail, I am more than able to take a half day on this black Friday. However, in an effort to elucidate my thoughts on consumerism here is a small rant against buying gifts today.
The Christmas season is not about giving gifts to family and friends, nor is it about receiving lavish over the top gifts from family or friends. It is simply about coming together and looking back at the past year to appreciate what is truly important. The smiling child, the food on the table, the hug from a loved one, or even those who have passed on during the year. These are the things that define a year, define a family, and define relationships. It is not who got what gift or who gave me what gift. There are deeper gifts than material possessions purchased on black Friday. My best friends on not my friends because of items I have received, but rather memories we have made together. However, I know that even though I am not shopping today I will be wrapped up in the gift giving hullabaloo that has come to define Christmas. However, I will try not to overspend, over shop, or overly worry about the perfect gift or the expensive items. I will get things that are meaningful and useful.
To that I say, it is a great day in commercial banking land where I have to work because the federal government says that banks cannot be closed more than 72 hours in a row and I am the youngest account officer so that means I have to be the chosen one.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend of shopping and hopefully enjoying family if they are still lingering after Thanksgiving, as I know mine are.
-Thor
