Black Friday

They call it Black Friday. It’s crazy. It’s hectic. Lots of people purposely spending the night on the street, camping out in front of department stores, electronic stores, and any other stores that offer what they want for a deep discount.

Some stores open as early as 4 AM, but people are known to line up days earlier to secure the bargain goods.

There is even a cute commercial where a dog wakes up to an alarm clock. He quickly makes coffee, opens the drapes and wakes his owner by grabbing the covers off of her while she is still sleeping. When she sleepily gets up, the dog goes back to bed.

In order to save money, people push, fight, and stomp on people. Is it worth it? Last year people got beaten up, a woman was almost stomped to death, people got robbed in line (queue) - worse than being a victim of a pit bull attack or worst yet - - a football hooligan.

How can you enjoy shopping with a black eye, fat lip, or ripped ear?

Though that’s one way to make it a Black Friday, retailers have given it that appellation. Black Friday was originally so named because of the heavy traffic on that day, although most contemporary uses of the term refer instead to it as the beginning of the period in which retailers are in the black (i.e., turning a profit.)

It is always the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, where it is the beginning of the traditional Christmas shopping season and also proceeds Cyber Monday, (the beginning of online Christmas shopping.)

If you don’t want to be a part of the frenzy, keep your car safely parked in your garage, not break the bank or max out your credit card, there is an alternative.

There are ten gifts you can easily afford and are just as easily attainable. Gifts that won’t be advertised in any sales flyer, or television; but they are still coveted and you can have them right now. Although you can keep them for yourself, you can also give them away.

THE GIFT OF LISTENING

Listen to someone who is talking to you. Listen with your heart, but you must REALLY listen. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response. Just listening. While they are talking, quietly bless them.

THE GIFT OF AFFECTION

Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER

Tell a joke that you find funny. Laughing is contagious. Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, "I love to laugh with you."

THE GIFT OF A WRITTEN NOTE

It can be a simple, "Thanks for the help," note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life. Make it original and from your heart.

THE GIFT OF A COMPLIMENT

A simple and sincere, "You look great in that dress or suit," "You did a good job," “I really l love your smile,” can make someone's day and stay with them for a long time.

THE GIFT OF A GOOD DEED

Random actors of kindness. Do something for someone else everyday. It can be a friend or a complete stranger. Do it and don’t ask for anything in return (it will come back to you anyway.)

THE GIFT OF SOLITUDE

There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

THE GIFT OF A CHEERFUL DISPOSITION

The easiest way to feel good is to make others feel good. A happy positive attitude creates a positive environment. Having a smile on your face will put a smile in the air. If you want to make someone happy, be happy.

THE GIFT OF COOKING

Nothing says lovin’ like something from the oven. That used to be the slogan for the Pillsbury Doughboy. When you make something from scratch, it tastes so much better than mass produced food. So if you love someone, cook for them. Even if you think you can’t cook, you can follow a recipe. One year I made chocolate chip cookies and I wrapped them in individual baskets and hand delivered them to friends. It was an instant hit. Be creative.

THE GIFT OF LOVE

Love and be loved.