Black Friday to Gray Thursday? Thoughts on Walmart/Target/others working Thanksgiving

[SuperFerret]

It's great that your situation allows you options. A lot of people don't have the luxury.

A lot of people are welcome to form their own opinions based on their personal experiences.

 

[Pink Ranger]

^ I bet many Native Americans would like their traditions back.

Know what I'm getting at?

 

[Lantern Venom]

I am probably in the minority of people who love Black Friday. I had to work Thanksgiving for 7 straight years (On a farm in Middle/High/and 2 years of college) before I worked retail and then Black Friday 5 straight years in retail (1 at NFL Shop, 1 at Best Buy, 3 at a regional tech store).

This is my third year out of retail and I loved Black Friday back then, and I love it now. I totally understand the hate for it, but I am a sucker for the Christmas retail season. No idea why, just always have been.

I like Black Friday because I've been a night shift worker for nearly 20 years, and it gives me an opportunity to shop during my unusual waking hours. I don't go every year, but it's nice to be able to shop at 3:30 am since I'm always awake at that time as is.

That being said, I can understand why extended families trying to coordinate Thanksgiving dinner are upset by the early opening and forced overnight hours. For people in retail, particularly those with spouses/significant others and children, it's a huge obstacle. I don't have a problem with stores asking for volunteers, but I feel really sorry for people forced to work that evening/night.

 

[Superwoman Prime]

Yes , the holiday appears to have been predicated on a lie , but getting together to eat with your family isn't a bad thing ( depending on your family). As for those who argue that it can be done any other day , it's not easy to get everyone on the same schedule and making it a work holiday gives them les excuse not to be there.

Emphasize big family dinners for Christmas day and we're good.

A family making a trip to their relatives' home for Christmas can open presents a little early and aim to arrive at their destination in the afternoon.

 

[Whiskey Tango]

A lot of people are welcome to form their own opinions based on their personal experiences.

I don't know what you mean by this.