The term "Black Friday" originally had no connection to shopping, says Nancy Koehn, a historian and professor at the Harvard Business School. It was used to describe a financial crisis in 1869, but over time, it came to signify the day after Thanksgiving when retailers would officially shift from operating at a loss (in the red) to turning a profit (in the black). It's the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season, but where did this tradition start? And just how big is it?
Thanksgiving, a holiday deeply ingrained in American culture, has been evolving over time, and the rise of the holiday shopping season has had a significant impact on its traditions. There is an enormous amount of misinformation about the origins of the Thanksgiving holiday as we celebrate it today, including when it became associated with holiday shopping. Despite the confusion, it is undeniable that the two have become intertwined.
In anticipation of the coming holiday season, cultural intelligence company conducted a survey to understand the cultural impact of the holiday shopping season on Thanksgiving traditions. The results revealed that a vast majority of respondents believed that the commercialization of Thanksgiving has led to a shift in focus from gratitude and family to materialism and consumerism.
The holiday shopping season, which kicks off with Black Friday, has become a phenomenon in itself. Even though Halloween is just a single day, it is responsible for a great deal of consumer spending. However, the holiday shopping season, spanning from November to December, surpasses Halloween in terms of overall sales and consumer demand. This shift in spending patterns has undoubtedly affected the way people approach and celebrate Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving used to be a time for families to come together, express gratitude, and enjoy a hearty meal. However, with the rise of the holiday shopping season, the focus has shifted towards finding the best deals, standing in long lines, and rushing to stores in the early hours of the morning. Many stores now open on Thanksgiving Day itself, cutting into the traditional family time and shifting the holiday's purpose.
While some argue that the holiday shopping season has tainted the essence of Thanksgiving, others see it as an opportunity for families to bond over shared shopping experiences and take advantage of discounts to provide gifts for their loved ones. The shopping frenzy has become a tradition in itself, with many families incorporating it into their Thanksgiving rituals.
The cultural impact of the holiday shopping season on Thanksgiving traditions extends beyond individual families. It has also influenced the economy, with businesses heavily relying on the holiday season to boost their sales and profits. Black Friday, in particular, has become a significant day for retailers, marking the beginning of the holiday shopping season and setting the tone for the entire period.
In conclusion, the holiday shopping season has undeniably affected Thanksgiving traditions. While it has brought about changes in the way people celebrate and has shifted the focus from gratitude to consumerism, it has also become a new tradition for many families. The commercialization of Thanksgiving may continue to evolve in the future, but the impact of the holiday shopping season on this cherished holiday is undeniable.
