5 Alternatives to the “Black Friday” Shopping Spree
time is more valuable than anything on sale
Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving when a lot of stores have sales on their merchandise that are supposedly the best you might get all year.
It’s a day that I used to really love. When I was young, my mom and I stood for hours in long lines to get a tiny trinket offered by JC Penny. We spent large sums of money to get the deals.
When I became minimalist in 2013, this tradition was one of the first things to go. I realized that there were a lot of things I simply didn’t need to be happy. Including a lot of the things on sale.
I think I may have done two black Friday sales since. Both were to go to Old Navy and restock a rather scant wardrobe.
However, I’d much rather be using my time in other ways.
I don’t like the crowds, the long lines, the push and pull for the same items, or buying things I regret the next day.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to spend the day instead of shopping:
Spend time with family
For the last two years, I’ve been in Maryland for black Friday. I’ve been spending time with people I don’t see often.
My nephews are in their teens now, and they live busy, full lives. They both play multiple sports which keep them on the go. My sister-in-law is an elementary school teacher and runs the support for their games.
We get to see each other maybe 4–5 times a year. Not that I’m complaining, but every chance I get to see them has become precious to me.
It’s time that I don’t want interrupted by anything.
Even if your family doesn’t live in separate states, do you spend as much time with them as you want? Why not go to lunch or dinner and catch up?
Go to a Museum
I’m spoiled to live in Pittsburgh where we have multiple museums, as well as places like an aviary and Phipps Conservatory.
Do I normally spend time there? Rarely. My mom’s a big conservatory person and so I might see it twice a year. Yet, I always feel peace when I’m there. I always leave inspired.
Spend time in a place where creativity is celebrated. You might see things differently after or have a story to tell.
Do Something Highly Anticipated
If you’re anything like me, you have shows that you really want to see. Maybe a book that you’re longing to read, but haven’t been. As an introvert, this is one of my favorite ways to spend the day.
However, this can be something larger. Maybe there’s a place you want to see or a favorite location you haven’t been to in a while. Why not spend time there today?
If warm enough, why not spend time in nature
There is a wonderful contrast between the noise and bustle of a noisy store and the peace and calm of nature. Whether it’s hiking or just sitting there writing in a journal. There’s a peace on the outside that inspires a peace on the inside and it’s great to focus and center.
It’s also a good time to start thinking about what you really want in the next year or longer.
Do a Creative Project
In the past, this weekend was when I started my bullet journals. There are already a lot of videos up on youtube for 2023 layouts for inspiration. When I’d do my pages, I’d watch a few but come up with my own layout and set-up.
Creativity is one of those practices that can be a form of self-care and a way to add a lot of joy to your day.
It’s a good day to get caught up on a project: do some writing sprints if participating in NaNoWriMo, write a few poems, do a few creative pages. Spend time being wrapped up in a creative pursuit that you love.
What Are You Planning to Do Today?
I hope that I’ve given you a few alternative ways to spend the weekend. I’ll leave you with the quote “if you don’t need it, it’s not a sale” and ask you what your weekend plans are. I’d love to know.
