I have so many memories of not shopping on Black Friday, just because when we were growing up, my mother didn't want us to be hurt by all the "crazy mothers" out there who push through the throngs of people to pick up whatever doorbuster was on sale. It would have been Sears, Montgomery Wards, or maybe even TG&Y, but even back in the day, my mom was concerned about all the would-be dangers that could happen to any one of us four kids. She was also not going to place herself at risk. I remember that. It stuck in my brain, so when I grew up and could make decisions for myself, I was leery of going to any store that advertised 'too-amazing-to-be-true' sales on Black Friday.
One Black Friday in particular, which I do remember, happened about ten years ago. Jeannie and I went to Target after all the early bird specials. We weren't going into the store to get presents for ourselves or anyone. We were going to get her hair gel, and I think I wanted cat litter or something. What we were purchasing isn't the reason I remember the event. About an hour after we had shopped, I was notified by my bank that someone had tried to use my credit card. Because it was after 5:00 p.m., the bank was closed, and this was long before banks could print another card. I lost the use of my only means of paying for anything - and I lost it for a week!
I had to drive to the bank to withdraw money, and I was only allowed to withdraw $300 a day. I had bills to pay, but no checks. The bank gave me desk checks, and I had to write my name, address, and phone number on each one. One was rejected, and it was just such a hassle! Times have changed, and I'm so grateful for that. Recently, after a fraud notice, my bank "captured" my card, but I was able to drive to the branch and get another card with a different number immediately. It was still a hassle, but nowhere near as inconvenient as it was that Black Friday weekend.
I think I may have purchased one big-ticket item on Black Friday while in a store on that day, and my memory wants to say it was a television. I just don't go into department stores on that day. It would have been in the late 1990s. I'm not pulling the complete memory out of my head at the moment, but I will say that since the invention of the internet, I have faithfully watched the uploaded "crazy mother" videos that show way too much open hostility. It's calmed down a lot since the invention of online shopping, but it's still a treat to watch the funny crazies out there pulling each other's hair out to get the last big whatever is reduced to a ridiculous price.
This year, because I could and really wanted one, I bought a countertop air fryer-toaster oven that also bakes. It's a Hamilton Beach model, and it has all the bells and whistles I need. I think Laura and I will use it more than we will our conventional oven. I bought it online (Amazon). Their Black Friday specials started this past Monday. It's easier to use, uses less energy, and is compact, fitting perfectly in our new kitchen. I did get it on a Black Friday special, but it's still Thanksgiving, so I'm not sure if that counts as cheating. I don't think it is. I waited for it to go on sale rather than buying it before we moved. I saved about $27 by waiting.
Walmart does have them, but only 2 are in stock, and their Black Friday price was higher than Amazon's. I'm not driving to the store, waiting in line before dawn to get the thing. Nope. I ordered it, and I'll wait for it to be delivered on Monday. I'm OK waiting for it. We have our menus planned out for the weekend. I will say this: shopping in-store on Black Friday is still not going to happen. Jeannie is coming over tomorrow, and we'll go to Walmart if she wants to, but I'm not using my card. I know it's not the same, and I know that fraud or security measures are so much better now, but I don't care. If we don't need to go, we don't need to go.
I don't think we'll get a discount at our favorite Mexican restaurant, but you just never know. They may have a special. It's worth checking it out, and unlike the lines in Oklahoma City today for an open restaurant, all of our food places in this city are generally uncrowded and just waiting for you to walk through their doors! I love this place.
Photo Credit: Walmart.com
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