Lack Friday

Black Friday is coming in hot. Watching people who are typically reasonable get caught up in the fever of “unbelievable” deals, all I can see is the lack mentality behind it.  Have you ever wondered where the term Black Friday originated from? As the story goes, stores operate at a loss “in the red” for the majority of the year and the stores would earn a profit or “go into the black”, on the day after Thanksgiving because consumers blew so much money on discounted merchandise. 

As you start thinking about holiday shopping, try and have a perspective on what merchandisers are actually offering. Most of the deals they are advertising you don’t even need, and neither do your loved ones. For so many years I put pressure on myself to find the perfect gift for my family and friends.  As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that spending time with someone and sharing an experience is much more important than giving them something they may or may not want. 

If you’re dead set on buying gifts this year, or you’ve already done your holiday shopping, check out this week’s Pro Tip for gift giving in the future. 

Pro Tip:

While you’re spending time with your loved ones this holiday season, pay attention and take a mental note on what they speak passionately about or any special interests they may have. Think of experience gifts as a way to give time because let’s face it, we’re all busy. Things are temporary and our relationships with our loved ones need nurturing.  

Here are suggestions to help you avoid the Black Friday and Cyber Monday madness and also help you to give gifts that are meaningful and thoughtful, instead of just checking Aunt Betty off your list:

• Ballet or Broadway tickets

• Movie passbook

• Cooking class

• Art class 

• Plan a family vacation

• Massage gift certificate

• A beautiful bottle of wine

In the meantime, to help keep your bank account “in the black” resist those cheap temptations retailers are offering simply to stay out of the red.

Smith’s Pick of the Week: Stuffocation: Living More With Less, James Wallman

This is the perfect time to read this thoughtful book where trend forecaster, James Wallman, talks about how we got so cluttered and how experientialism is the possible and most likely way out. Click on the image for more information on this pick of the week.