There are Facebook groups you can join, stickers you can wear, and signs you can post saying that “Pledge not to shop on Thanksgiving”. Honestly, who cares? There are so many more important things to worry about than not shopping on Thanksgiving.
- Thanksgiving is not a religious day. It’s a holiday. There are a plenty of holidays that people work on. I’m more concerned about people working on days that have religious significance to them (no matter what that religion is). Thanksgiving is a great day, but it’s not a holy day.
- I worked in convenience stores for about 10 years. Working holidays was really the norm. We were open, people came in.
- If you’re not shopping on Thanksgiving to prove a point, you need to sit home and do absolutely nothing else on Thanksgiving. This includes watching TV (including football), getting gas, flying, and anything else that would require someone to work that day.
- The economy sucks these days. People need to go and spend money. If they choose to do so on Thanksgiving, go for it. People spending money is the only way retail workers will ever get a raise and possibly be able to do better.
- Not everyone has family to spend the day with.
- It shouldn’t matter what day it is, be thankful for what you have.
- I don’t need a special day to spend time with my family.
- Military, Medical Staff, Firefighters, Police, etc. don’t have the holiday off.
- Employees get paid bonuses, the majority of them really like the extra money.
- The stores are going to open whether you choose to “boycott Thanksgiving shopping” or not.
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- By 6PM, most of the holiday dinners and stuff are over and everyone is home anyway.
- I’d much rather stay up a little later than get up at 3am Friday.
- When I am with my mom and sister on Thanksgiving, we make a night of it after dinner and shop together. Still family time, right?
- I love a good deal!
- When shopping on Thanksgiving night, I don’t need a babysitter for the kids. They’re at home with Daddy and will be sleeping. If I shop on Friday, I’m taking them with me or finding a babysitter.
I’m not telling you to go shop on Thanksgiving, but I’m just sick of people complaining about the stores being open.
What do you think?
Christina Shirley says
Some very valid and intelligent points made Christina! I have shared this on my FB page!
Christina Shirley says
Amen! Well said.
Christina Shirley says
As you know Christina your sister and I love to shop black Friday. I do wish it was starting a little later on Thursday night not 6:00, considering I will be at the airport at 6 in the morning. You are correct, it is not a religious holiday, and people do get paid holiday pay for working at most jobs. We have always made Thanksgiving shopping a girls day/night and we wish you could join us this year. You know us we are out for bargains and a good time full of laughter. That’s good family time!!
Christina Shirley says
So many invalid points. You’re comparing SHOPPING to healthcare and public safetly? Two are needed, one is not. If Walmart employs 100 people and say 15 volunteer to work because they don’t care about Thanksgiving or don’t have family, can Walmart run the store, open to close with those 15 people? No, so then they need to force others to work who don’t want to. Bonuses??? I’d love to know who gives out those to retail workers. The whole concept just perpetuates the materialism that is running rampant in this country. It’s purely disgusting that someone would put “getting a good deal” on someTHING in front of letting an employee spend the day off with their family or just having a DAY off. Americans are working themselves to death – a GOOD DEAL is never worth the value of a human being. Seriously, can’t you just shop on Black Friday??? Oh, yea, YOUR husband is off on Thanksgiving and he can watch the kids, how convenient for you.
Christina Shirley says
After reading the blog post and now reading your reply I am struck by the difference in the way opinions have been expressed. The post calmly explained and also the reply to your comment but your comment sadly not.
Christina Shirley says
“And like I said, there’s nothing really extra special about Thanksgiving that makes it any different than any other day.”- that is totally your opinion. What about people who feel differently. What if it’s the ONLY day a year they get to see certain family?
Christina Shirley says
Sorry, I don’t sugar coat things that I am passionate about. I wear my heart on my sleeve and if I am frustrated, then it shows and I don’t apologize for that. Maybe some people need thicker skin?
Christina Shirley says
“Military, Medical Staff, Firefighters, Police, etc. don’t have the holiday off.” – that looks to me like you saying, well, they have to work, why shouldn’t retail workers. I think it’s a total comparison which is completely ridiculous.
Christina Shirley says
Most are extremely happy to have a job at all. Retail workers accept that job knowing they will be working many holidays. I worked retail for 10+ years.
Christina Shirley says
Yea, I see that with the Walmart employees, for example. Aren’t they planning to protest their crummy working conditions, one of them being open on a holiday? How many retail workers have you spoken to? Look at why stores like Costco are keeping their doors closed. I wonder how many employees there are pissed about that? If they’re angry, they sure aren’t speaking up. I agree, people are happy to have jobs in an economy that has been struggling, but I think most people, if you talk to them appreciate a day to spend with family, some of whom they may not see much (if at all during the year) more. Just a hunch though. Again, it’s the big picture. It’s showing the world that Americans value “stuff” more than family. It’s incredibly sad.
Christina Shirley says
As I could disagree with most of your points, another one that is frustrating is that you said “most people are done by 6 PM have gone home…” according to your tradition, maybe, but there are how many people living in this country? Are you assuming that what your family does is how most families roll? Geez – quite an assumption. We eat around 3 or 4 PM and the family spends the evening catching up and visiting. How tunnel-visioned are you to assume what your family does is the norm? Lastly, the fact that this ISN’T a religious holiday actually speaks to more people and more people probably celebrate it. I am going to take a stab and assume you’re Christian. What if you were forced to work on Christmas Day, away from your children and you’d miss them opening their presents b/c your retail store wanted to be open for a HUGE after Christmas sale. Would you be OK with that? Is it more important to get time and half and miss all that. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, so what’s the big deal?
Christina Shirley says
I’ve worked Christmas and been away from my family many years. Not everyone does celebrate Christmas and we were open to serve the public (including those that do). And yes, everyone’s family is different, but I do believe most “holiday dinners” are around 2 and that’s not just my family.
Christina Shirley says
Wow. If you have statistic info. to support that, I’d love to read it. Again, greed over family – it’s the American way 🙂
Christina Shirley says
I hate working on Thanksgiving. Being with my family on Thanksgiving is very important us. Because I have to work on my usual day off, I have to be up at the crack of dawn to make sure that the meal is prepared & served before I have to get ready to leave for work. We used to be able to visit with family, but not anymore. The sales start at 6 pm. I have to be there until midnight. Some of the workers are forced to work 12 hour shifts! If people wouldn’t shop on Thanksgiving, we could stay home with our families. This is just greed. Greed to buy things you don’t need. Believe me when I say that underneath the smile that greats you, you are being cursed for ruining our ‘family’ time.
Christina Shirley says
Getting up at the crack of dawn and heading Black Friday shopping was a family tradition for my Father and I. Now, he is gone; but my husband and I put our kids to bed, my mom stays with them and we head out for a Thanksgiving shopping night out. It is the only time we get to shop together for our families. I do feel sad for people who have to work and miss out: but life is not always fair. I am with you all the way.
Christina Shirley says
I love how you shop as a family for family time 😀 I won’t shop on thanksgiving because I would rather eat pie and sleep. I worked in restaurants and nobody cried for me when I worked holidays. Nurses, emts, gas station attendants… And most people volunteer for holiday shifts for holiday pay. Don’t whine about unemployment rates then whine when people have a job. #endrant
Christina Shirley says
You know when you get a job in retail, or hospitality, or medical or military that you are working holidays. Its part of the job. Make a new Thanksgiving brunch or breakfast tradition with your family of you have to miss dinner. Work around it. Everyone I know has always gotten either time and a half or double time working Thanksgiving. so it isn’t like they don’t get compensated. ((except your waitress who still gets $2.13/hour)
Christina Shirley says
I was a bartender for years and ALWAYS worked on Thanksgiving. I wanted those shifts. They were fun and I made a ton of money. It was my favorite night to work. As an adult I worked in a hospital and a lot of people wanted the Thanksgiving shifts as well. Not everyone who works on Thanksgiving is being taken advantage of. I, too, enjoy shopping on Thanksgiving. Live and let live, people.
Christina Shirley says
I just shared on my page, too! Love this post. Maybe some people have to work on Black Friday. I always did. My husband has to work on it. Maybe Thanksgiving is the only time someone can go out and get good deals. This is just another case of people making a big fuss over a matter that is trivial. Don’t we have bigger problems in our society than stores being open on Thanksgiving? Also, I’ve definitely ran out to a store on a holiday for a last minute ingredient, as I’m sure most people have. Bet they weren’t cursing the convenient store for being open then!
Christina Shirley says
RIGHT ON, Heather!
Christina Shirley says
I’ve made a tradition of shopping at Walgrens on Thanksgiving for the last 4-5 years. I stock up on enough hair products to last me the year, which when you live on a very tight budget like me, it is a blessing. If I were to wait til black Friday to snag the deals, they’d all be gone. 🙁
Christina Shirley says
It’s sad that you see this as trivial. It’s a problem that gets worse and worse every year and just contributes to the greed and importance that people in this country place on “things” and “deals”. It’s pathetic. So when you look at it with tunnel vision, sure it looks trival, but when you open your eyes and see the big picture, it’s speaking to a growing mentality of materialism. When did Thanksgiving turn into a day “Maybe Thanksgiving is the only time someone can go out and get good deals”. Gosh people, why not just screw the holidays and just shop…the meaning gets buried deeper and deeper every year anyway. I wonder how many Christians would have kittens if Christmas Day turned into a shopping holiday like Thanksgiving. And seriously people, stop making the comparison of retail workers working to those who work in healthcare, public safety, etc. Some things are needed, some are not. People don’t NEED to shop. Restaurants? They should be closed too…gas stations? Maybe not since emergencies can arise and people might need to get somewhere. So this isn’t black and white of course, some things are need. But shopping??? Get real. It’s embarrassing that people try to justify this ever growing epidemic. It wasn’t like this 10 years ago, so the upset is stemming from the last few years of rapid change.
Christina Shirley says
I think whether people want to shop on Thanksgiving or not should be their prerogative and I personally know many people who loved picking up shifts on holidays because it’s extra money. People get so up in arms about this stuff, if you don’t want to shop, don’t; if you do- go ahead. I just feel like it’s not my business what other people do on their Thanksgiving.
Christina Shirley says
If you want to shop on Thanksgiving, thats all you! I would rather be laid up on the couch feeling full with my family – but to each their own! No judging here!
Christina Shirley says
Geez Sara, you need to chill out a little here and tone down the criticalness. It’s what she thinks but she isn’t saying everyone has to agree.
Christina Shirley says
No judging here! I shop online because I hate crowds. Hats off to people who brave the stores 🙂
Christina Shirley says
If you post something controversial, you need to be able to deal with adversity. Thicken up your skin people! She shared her opinions and I shared mine.
Christina Shirley says
Very good points all of them! I used to do Black Friday shopping, but I much prefer to avoid the crowd and shop online these days. 🙂
Christina Shirley says
I might do some online shopping; even though I love a good deal, I can’t stand crowds.
Christina Shirley says
You raise some good points, but they are not accurate. 1) Not all retail employees get overtime or holiday pay. In fact, MOST do not. 2) Are you really comparing the Military and Hospital staff and other life-saving, essential professions to buying a TV, sweater or toy? 3) You may not need a special day with family, but guess what? You are not the only person on this planet. Millions of families live far away from each other and see family members on Thanksgiving Day only. Should they be denied their annual tradition because the other 364 days aren’t enough to go shopping? (Minus 1 day for Christmas). And the parents who only see their children when they are home from college or the Military – should they miss out on time with their kids because they have to work on Thanksgiving Day? 4) You are right that Thanksgiving is not a religious day – and THAT’S why it’s so important to keep it. It’s the ONLY non-denominational, non-partisan day of the year that retailers have nowhere else to be but with family and/or friends. No meetings, appointments… just time to be together and be thankful. 5) You are correct that not everyone has family – go out and volunteer somewhere and be thankful for what you do have. Restaurants and movie theaters are available for these people as well.
If anyone on this page agrees with ANY of the above, please help us spread the word: http://www.Facebook.com/BoycottShoppingOnThanksgivingDay.
My wish is that you at least weigh all the pros and cons before spreading inaccurate information.
Christina Shirley says
Until 4 years ago, most retail workers did not work on Thanksgiving. My ONLY guaranteed days off were Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. I have worked every other holiday while my friends and family are at the beach or enjoying picnics in the summer. Why is there such a need to shop on Thanksgiving? You have 362 other days to choose from. But what do I know, I am only the old lady who until recently LOVED her job. BTW…I have NEVER been paid extra for working a holiday.
Christina Shirley says
Wow, that is selfish of you! You of all people should understand and appreciate the need for quality family time and tradition.
Christina Shirley says
Well said! Join us at http://www.Facebook.com/BoycottShoppingOnThanksgivingDay. We will be excited to see you there and you will see just how many people appreciate you and respect family traditions 🙂
Christina Shirley says
Sara – you NEED to join us at http://www.Facebook.com/BoycottShoppingOnThanksgivingDay if you haven’t already. Love your response!
Christina Shirley says
There are over 13 MILLION retail workers in the USA. Unless you know at least half of them, your response is not valid. Also, time and a half and double time is NOT offered my MOST companies. It is not mandated by Government. If you are open to learn more, please visit us at http://www.facebook.com/BoycottShoppingOnThanksgivingDay. Hope to see you there!
Christina Shirley says
Come join us at http://www.facebook.com/BoycottShoppingOnThanksgivingDay, Paula! Hope to see you there!
Christina Shirley says
“Employees who work Thanksgiving get paid more.” This comment is simply not true. It may be true for the store your sister works in, but it is, sadly, not true across the board. MOST employees do NOT get holiday pay or extras. Please visit us at http://www.facebook.com/BoycottShoppingOnThanksgivingDay if you would like to learn more about how this affects the 13 Million retail workers in this country.
Christina Shirley says
Absolutely! So glad to see this FB page 🙂
Christina Shirley says
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and you have shared yours. As for your statement on going to a restaurant or movie theater, how is that different? Your argument is that people need to spend time with their family and not have to work. Are there not employees working at the restaurants or movie theaters?
Christina Shirley says
You are now spamming my page.
Christina Shirley says
Restaurants and movie theaters are selling an intangible experience–a meal or a movie. You don’t walk away with goods. They also don’t tend to open stupidly early or stay open later then their usual time. And, personally, no one would hurt my feelings if both of those were also closed. -former retail worker who was never offered holiday pay.
Christina Shirley says
Heather M, I worked for Walmart for 20 yrs. Primarily in management. Employees that work Thanksgiving DO NOT get extra pay JUST for working that day! Walmart does give 6-8 hours of holiday pay to each associate that meets qualifications for that week whether you work on that day or not. NOW the kicker is as a manager that made schedules I was instructed by upper management to reduce scheduled hours to 32 hours to counter act the holiday pay. I had no choice if I wanted to keep my job but to do as instructed. This is not isolated to just the store I worked as I read the emails coming from Corporate to all stores telling us to reduce scheduled hours.
YOU ARE WRONG these people do not get extra pay when their regular hours are reduced, they are only breaking even.
YOU AND ALL PEOPLE that shop on this day are perpetuating the problem. If you DID NOT shop I would have been able to give more associates that day off or have them only work 4 hr shifts instead of all hands on deck working 8-10 hr shifts.
And the bonuses are quarterly with Nov., Dec., and Jan being the last quarter of Walmarts fiscal year. Which is why they focus so hard on getting all sales possible in Nov. And Dec. As all sales in all retail places drop in Jan. Because people have run out of $ and are saving to pay taxes.
Jordana please feel free to share this explanation on your page.
Christina Shirley says
Feel free to share the explanation I gave to Heather M on your page if it helps your cause. After 20 years of having to work and making people work I refuse now to set foot inside of Walmart during the whole Thanksgiving weekend.
Christina Shirley says
Yes, they will get days off that week while the rest of their family goes back to work. Trying to bring families together around everyone’s work schedule is hard enough. Back in the not so distant past, most people didn’t work on Thanksgiving making it an ideal day to get together with Grandma and Grandpa, aunts and uncles and cousins. Time and a half on a day that starts the busiest time of the year doesn’t really matter when you are giving up time with the extended family. These retail employees have ample opportunity to pick up a ton of hours through New Year’s Day.
Christina Shirley says
And I have worked retail for 40 years and until recently didn’t work 3 days a year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. I am sure those days will all be taken away. I work every other holiday during the year.
Christina Shirley says
EXACTLY!
Christina Shirley says
In retail, nobody “volunteers” to work on Thanksgiving. It is an “all-hands on deck day”. You call off, you lose your job.
Christina Shirley says
I’ve been out shopping at night on Thanksgiving…partly for the deals and partly to cure the boredom. 😉
Christina Shirley says
Last year I had a big gathering at my house. My friend’s boyfriend declined a beer (most unusual – and this was during football!) because he had to work that evening. While the rest of us ate too much and didn’t worry about feeling sluggish later, and had a few drinks and didn’t worry about driving or working later, he refrained. I asked him where he worked, thinking fireman or police officer – you know, something essential – but no, it was retail. We were sad for him and it really put a damper on our day. When he left, the festivities deflated just a bit. So yeah, go shop.
Christina Shirley says
Already did a while ago. Happy Thanksgiving Jordana! 🙂
Christina Shirley says
I felt compelled to post a comment since it seems people are not educated in the realities of retail. When those of us who work retail sign up for retail jobs we do so knowing that most holidays we would have to work and that we would not get weekends off either. For the most part we are fine with that. But it used to be we knew we had two days off out of the year and that was Thanksgiving and Christmas. The past few years that has changed, Thanksgiving has become more a day to shop then be with your families. The companies who have decided to open on Thanksgiving tell us that the stores are staffed by volunteers (makes it better right?) well in fact that is not the case at all. There are not enough volunteers to open every single store in the country on this day so the stores tell their employees that they will not get the day off and that if they don’t work that day they are fired. I am one who is being forced to work today instead of enjoying my time with family. The other thing that people assume is that these stores are giving their employees Holiday pay which is basically your standard over time pay in most cases, but that yet again is not true. While some stores do give their employees time and a half for working on the holiday most stores do not. I work at a store that does not give holiday pay. Instead of thinking with your wallet think with your head. Think about the employees who are working retail today, think if they would rather be helping you find a great deal or if they would rather be with their families. If you are one who really doesn’t care about the employees working retail today at least you can thank them for giving up their holiday for you.
Christina Shirley says
Thank you, this was my exact response to this article. Could not have said it better myself.