Black Friday

I've been shopping Black Friday for years, even before many people knew the name.  I know I've been doing it for over 10 years.

Years ago I would go to the mall about 7 am, in plenty of time to get the sales at KayBee Toys (for my then young son, plus other children I would shop for), at Sears, and several other stores.

Each year the crowds got bigger.

Then came along the sites that leaked ads weeks ahead of time.  Now it was an organized event.

Last year, after we found ourselves unable to get into a Wal-Mart at 5am, and saw the huge lines in front of other stores, we decided we would be better off doing something else.

Now, of course, Black Friday is oozing past Black Friday, just as Christmas now starts in August.  Now Black Friday begins the beginning of November.  Soon it will be just another day.

For many people, times are grim.  We are fortunate to have our jobs but many others have lost theirs, or live in constant fear of losing theirs.  The retailers have adjusted to this new shopping mood, so it will be interesting to see what this Black Friday brings.

Meanwhile, a couple of years ago, retailers were phasing out layaway.  Now it's back.  A couple of years ago, retailers were tightening up return policies.  Seems like that's changing back, too.

I wish the Black Friday shoppers, those who still have money, well.  And for those who are out of work....please take some of those savings and support your local food pantry or your local "angel tree".

Happy Holidays to All.