Black Friday

I am an early Christmas shopper. My goal each year is to be finished by December 1st. There are always, inevitably, the last minute add ons (especially since children tend to get their heart set on something at the last minute) but I try to get as much as possible done before Advent begins.

In order to accomplish this, I start in August--keeping my eyes peeled for great deals or creative gifts. The reasoning is that by spreading out my purchasing over 4 months it is easier on my budget, my stress level and the gifts tend to be more thought out...not last minute efforts to mark off the list. Once Advent begins, I am (theoretically) able to better enjoy the activities of the season with wrapping and addressing Christmas cards as my only remaining 'stressors.'

I even keep a super geeky, but useful, Excel spreadsheet on my laptop with tabs for each year. This allows me to look back at the more difficult folks on my list and know what I have done in year's past.

As a result of all this 'methodology,' Black Friday has never been an important part of my Christmas season kickoff. However, thanks to the rodents, things have been a little different this year. Last night, I stood in the 35 degree cold for almost 2 hours with my friend Laurie...all for a shot at a single $10 toy promised to the first 100 people in line. (Santa had secured one, but asked me locate enough that all of the children in my family would be covered!)

I have to confess that my competitive spirit enjoyed the thought of the adrenaline...but the reality of the after-midnight scene at a toy store was a far cry from what I think of when I reflect on the warm feelings of Christmas. It really was greed at its finest (or lowest).

Although Toys R Us did not open until midnight, there were already 150+ in line by 10:30pm. Police officers were there, as were additional security employees. The crowd was mostly calm. (I couldn't help but giggle at the women who had chosen to come dressed in their Snuggies for extra warmth.) As opening time approached, you could sense people digging in and preparing to get down to business. Tempers started to flare. About 10 minutes before the doors opened, it got a little crazy. My fellow shoppers and I grew anxious as TRU personnel went down the line handing out a limited number of vouchers for the most in demand items. The reality of supply and demand hit many people and holiday cheer was replaced by ' looking out for number one.' The expressions on some faces indicated that instead of 'goodwill towards all men' they felt more like 'trust no one.'

The more people pushed and boldly cut in line, the more bold the 'rule followers' became in defending our turf. It was a combination of frightening and enlightening to see how willing people were to do whatever it took simply to get deals on toys (and, in fairness, to avoid disappointing the children in their life.) And I was surprised at how tempted I was to get sucked in. Laurie laughed as I chanted: I will not sacrifice my integrity for a dumb toy.

The scene inside was crowded, chaotic and somewhat surreal as people grabbed what they could. Most people were staunchly defending their own interests, but there were a few glimpses of kindness and charity. Specifically, a kind stranger ahead of me who bought something she did not want so I could have an extra. (One per household rules don't work so well for multiples.)

As I left the store I did feel a great sense of relief that my children would not be disappointed on Christmas morning--but I felt somewhat disappointed at some of the darkness of man (or in this case, woman) I had seen so prominently on display. It all just seemed so desperate.

I couldn't help but think of podcasts I have been listening to from It Came From Within: The Shocking Truth of What Lurks in the Heart. In this series, Andy Stanley points out that those things we say or dark thoughts we think...you know, the ones that sneak up on you and cause you to ask, where did that come from?...they are revealing clues to our true heart condition. We learn how to behave and respond in this world so that people will think of us as kind and worthy of respect, but the truth we cannot cover up is that we ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We are all sinners in need of a Savior.

As we follow Him more intimately and abide in Him through prayer, worship, fellowship and study of His Word, He cleans out those dark corners and we are in a better position to reflect His glory. But may we never forget it is all from Him, not from us.

I got my taste of Black Friday. In retrospect, other than quality time with my sweet friend, I don't think it was very fun. It felt more like duty than joy. I am not sure I'll be participating again anytime soon.

And as an ironic post script, at 3 this afternoon a friend called from the very same Toys R Us that had served as such a madhouse early this morning. Seems the staff had 'uncovered' a few more late this afternoon. She was able to buy 2 with no wait!

I will definitely be chalking this one up to life experience!