When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of getting together with all my cousins, aunts and uncles. I love eating until my stomach is full and laughing until my sides hurt. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate family and give thanks for all that you are blessed with. Contrary to this, many see Thanksgiving as a time to elbow their neighbor out of their way and kick down store doors to get the best sales and deals on goods. Not only is this behavior barbaric, it also contradicts the meaning of the holiday. Many popular stores open on Thanksgiving, meaning the employees are forced to work instead of be with their families and celebrate. Many videos have gone viral that show thousands of people fighting and screaming for some special items on sale in stores. It’s sad that people would go to these extreme lengths for a sale item, when they should be home and relaxing with loved ones.

I do not like the idea of Black Friday because it teaches children of families that items are more important than people. Even if it is on sale, a shirt is not worth missing out on family bonding and making memories.

In 2013, two Walmart employees were trampled to death by the ravenous crowds pushing down the doors to get inside and buy their discounted items.

I urge everyone to take a step back and see that you need to live in the present and appreciate what you have, not worry about what you want to buy.