What is a holiday? The dictionary defines holiday as a day set aside for special religious observance; a day of freedom from work; or a vacation. We often find a celebration attached to our holiday being observed. We as Americans are blessed to be able to have our own special holidays that reflect important days traced to our county’s founding. Thanksgiving and Independence Day in July are unique to the United States.
Thanksgiving is part of our cherished holiday season, and we are soon to be caught up in the hustle and bustle. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, we should look at what a holiday is and how we celebrate them. Many will be forced to work long hours on the holiday so we can buy those “special deal” gifts. The special savings are always welcomed by all, but why does it have to be on the holiday? Pick any other day to offer the same special pricing and you will get those customers and many more. Stop wasting our shopping and family time, waiting in those long lines.
I urge retailers to find their own special day for next year and make it 24 hours of savings. Make your own — a Sears, a JCPenney, or a Walmart day of savings! Give us our holiday on the day it is celebrated. If you must open, do it with volunteers no earlier than midnight, with a percentage of sales going to charity.
What can we do as consumers? Encourage a change. We can shop the hours after midnight of the holiday. Help send a message we want our holidays to be celebrated.