Our generation has been deemed the ‘selfie’ generation, as more and more teenagers and young adults are beginning to think less of other people’s needs and more about their own interests.  This new outlook on life has even begun to trickle into our holiday traditions.  Black Friday has always been a pseudo holiday dedicated to low prices and early Christmas shopping, a time to think about family and to buy presents to show others how much they mean to us.  This year however, many stores began their Black Friday deals starting on Thanksgiving, leaving many people to wonder if this ‘holiday’ has turned into a celebration of American over-consumption rather than a time to be with family.

With many stores beginning their Black Friday deals on Thanksgiving, it is no wonder that many are worried what this could mean for our future as a country.  Has the time finally come for us to put physical possessions above our family and friends?  Has a holiday dedicated to reflecting on all we’ve been blessed with turned into a greedy shopping spree? It may seem old-fashioned, but I think most of the American population would agree that, even though we may live in a ‘selfie’ generation, family and traditions are still the most important aspect of our culture.  During Thanksgiving, put your wallet aside and focus on what really matters.  Stuff comes and goes, but family endures.