Hype of the Holidays

My kids wanted to try their hand at the day-after-Thanksgiving sales, so we got up early this past Friday morning and headed to the stores. Even though the first store we went to had been open an hour and a half, the place was crazy: long lines, rude shoppers, aisle stuffed with too many sales items, and lots of disorganization. After about twenty minutes, we gave up and left. The chaos was not worth it.

We then went to another store that was busy, but not as hectic. We actually could walk comfortably through most aisles (except in electronics), and people seemed more friendly and helpful. But even then we didn’t stay longer than thirty minutes, and only one item we bought was a major sale item.

When we first headed out that morning, my oldest son commented that he wanted to get up early and shop every day after Thanksgiving from now on. His statement changed a few hours later when he realized that the potential prizes weren’t worth the effort. At least next year I can sleep in a bit.

We often don’t realize that much of the glitz and glamour we are shown will only lead to disappointment because it is an illusion. In reality we don’t need most of the things we have. I wonder how much we would actually buy if it weren’t for the flashy sale signs, the carefully scripted commercials, and the multimillion dollar advertising campaigns.

What is of value to you? Make sure you aren’t caught up in the hype of the holidays.