Why I’m Skipping Black Friday
When my wife and I were first married, Black Friday felt like a golden opportunity. Money was tight, and the promise of saving big on gifts and essentials was hard to ignore. I remember us making a detailed list and then heading out to the stores at midnight, energized by the thought of scoring great deals. We were shopping for Christmas gifts, furniture, clothing—pretty much anything we thought we could stretch our dollars on. And sure, we probably saved a little here and there.
But as the years went on, life got busier. The thrill of late-night shopping started to feel more like a chore. Still, I didn’t entirely let go of the Black Friday tradition. I’d find myself scrolling my phone on Amazon or Target, searching for that perfect gift or a deal on something we might eventually need. I rarely had a plan. No list, no real goals—just the hope of stumbling on a bargain too good to pass up.
Last year, I bought a pair of running shoes from a popular brand. At 40% off, they felt like a steal. But once they arrived, it became clear they weren’t a good fit, literally. They were too tight in the toe, and I knew immediately I’d made a mistake. Had I done just a little research or thought more critically, I would have skipped the purchase altogether.
That experience got me thinking: how much money do we waste chasing "deals" on things we don’t truly need or want? It turns out that I’m not alone in this. Studies show that about 50-80% of Black Friday purchases are returned or go unused within a few months. Those ill-fitting sneakers? Yep, they were part of that statistic.
This year, I’m making a different choice. I’m skipping Black Friday entirely. Sure, saving 20-30% on something can be tempting, but it’s not worth missing out on quality time with family—conversations around the dinner table, laughter over a shared meal, or simply enjoying a day without distractions.
If you plan to shop, my advice is simple: go in with a clear list. Know what you’re looking for, and stick to it. And if a random deal tempts you, pause and ask yourself, “Would I pay full price for this?” If the answer is no, it’s probably not worth it.
Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with connection, gratitude, and maybe just a little less shopping.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Alex
This blog post is not advice. Please read disclaimers.