Before I get started with the holiday shopping guides, I'd like to offset the large amount of consuming done this time of year by supporting a worthy challenge. The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday because that's the day the major department stores get out of the red due to all the sales on the first official holiday shopping day. What was once the day where you could get that item on little Timmy's list for a bargain has turned into the biggest display of Americans as consumption fanatics. It's been reported that this year the stores will open even earlier, some right at 12:01 am the get the shopping started with a bang. Across the country people will finish stuffing themselves with turkey and stuffing and then head out to the malls to wait in line through the night in order to be the first people through the doors. In past years, people have been trampled on Black Friday, anxiety and heart attacks are not uncommon by shoppers and store staff alike. Adbusters urges us to stop the mass consumption all together. I like a good deal myself and know that Black Friday is not the only day to get it nor is a giant department store the only place to find gifts. So the plan is simple. On November 24 buy nothing. My mom and I have celebrated in the past by sleeping in late, eating thanksgiving leftovers and going for a hike. Other buy nothing supporters across the country are reporting this year to cut up credit cards or dress up as zombies and parade the mall with the legions of mindless shoppers. There are many reasons for joining in. Off-set what may go down as the year global warming really hit. Escape the marketing mind games brought on by commercials and embrace your own holiday vision. Be it a non-stressed day at home with the fam, or a full-on protest assault, the biggest pay-off is to keep the Buy Nothing Day spirit in your heart year round and make responsible purchases if you must purchase at all.

More Info at Adbusters.org

For a great Buy Nothing Day Commercial click here.

Labels: environmental, politics, shopping