When people think of Black Friday, they often picture the animalistic consumerism pictured on the news. Adults fighting over flatscreen televisions could almost be comical if it were not for the injuries people often sustain from the sales on the day following Thanksgiving. It seems strange that people dedicate a day to acting grateful for their families and the things they have, then turn around and start shopping for deals immediately after dessert. It appears that we, as a culture, have begun to overlook Thanksgiving and now jump straight into Black Friday sales.

The day after Halloween, companies start advertising for the “epic sales” which will take place almost a month later. The sales begin on Thanksgiving, not even waiting for the day meant for showing thanks to end before ushering people into store upon crowded store. Employers force people to work on the holiday and miss important family gatherings. Though the sales are often exceptional and make buying Christmas gifts cheaper, why have they become such a major part of the holiday season when they create hardships for people?

Retail employees deserve a family holiday as much as any other American, and in observing this holiday, the general population must respect that others may wish to celebrate it as well.