Occupy Walmart: The Mystique of Black Friday

What subliminal command does a person receive that has them leave the cozy comfort of their home—long before the turkey has had time to become a leftover—and head out to packed stores at 4 a.m.?

I never understood Black Friday. First, I dislike shopping, as well as crowds and the ever so warm climate of the stores. When shopping, I’m armed with a list; I get what I came for and pretty much am out the door before my second hot flash.

The other reason for not partaking in Black Friday (now get ready to either laugh or poke fun at me) is that I’m normally done shopping, with all gifts wrapped, by Thanksgiving. My best friend does this, too: the Diva (we call her this for her culinary and shopping sales expertise, not her attitude) begins to shop right after the holiday season has passed.

Throughout the year, when I spot something someone would like, it's picked up and placed in a gift bin. We up the shopping fervor around Labor Day, trying to beat the previous years' done-by date.

And I for one can't put up with having a mountain of gifts to wrap, so I wrap 'em as I buy em! And Thanksgiving afternoon—as the turkey is roasting in the oven—I’m addressing holiday cards. It's all about planning and being holiday-organized; it allows one to get it done and still have time between work and home duties to enjoy the magic of the season.

So having said all of that: two years ago, I still so wanted to experience Black Friday. My son Will and I decided to leave everyone at home sleeping soundly and check it out. Trying to wake him from a deep sleep was reminiscent of his high school days when, on occasion, had to be dragged from the bed in order to wake up.

"Hurry or you’ll miss the bus," I said in jest that Black Friday morning as he finally awoke, looking at me as if I was hallucinating from lack of sleep. After a stop at a local Dunkin' Donuts, we headed to the "Marts" (Wal and K). It was so nice being alone with my son talking, sipping coffee and hunting down parking spots.

Once inside the sweat box, lines of robotic shoppers and carts filled to capacity snaked around each and every aisle, still in search of anything with a sale sticker on it. After our 10 minute first stop I had seen enough and wanted to head for our second destination—but Will wanted to take advantage of the sales and look for a Spiderman something-or-other for my grandson, Luke. As I dodged angry cart pushers, Will reminded me: this was my idea!

OK, so maybe the next stop will be calmer. The Sun was rising as we drove around in search of the next parking spot—it was wonderful watching it with Will. Once our children become parents, it's hard to spend alone time with them, so that morning was a gift. Actually, more of a gift than we knew at the time, as last year Will and his young family moved to Texas.

Was it his time to follow his dream, or the Black Friday experience?

Despite my constant complaining of rude shoppers and tropical climates, we happily ended our shopping trip with a flat screen TV and the memory of a nice morning spent with each other. (But no Spiderman something-or-other.)

So, is it really the sales that have consumers out in throngs—or could it be a family tradition, a means to re-bond? Or perhaps it’s the only chance to catch a sunrise! Still, I wonder how anyone can actually shop in that madness, and I’m reminded of something my son says when the going gets tough: "Where there’s a Will there’s a way!"

Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving, everyone, and a safe Black Friday.

Until next time, remember... magic happens!