I am scanning through video footage and stories about the Black Friday craziness, and it is leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

I see posts from canadians saying “buy nothing” today, in response to constant stream of SALE!SALE!SALE we see on our news feeds.

And then I see more status updates from people saying how they don’t want to fall into the chaos of christmas this year. That they want to take it easy, reduce the stress and enjoy the holiday.

The whole thing is just a little bit much, don’t you think?

This desperate grab for STUFF. Cheap stuff.

Stuff you probably don’t need.

This craving in ourselves not to WANT the stuff, but still having to fight against the urge to get it?

Stuff we can’t afford, EVEN at the Black Friday rates.

And stuff that, in the end, won’t make us feel any better.

We continue to surround ourselves with more, and better and newer and more complicated purchases, for what reason? I don’t know.

We convince ourselves we need it, that it will improve our life and in turn create this constant stream of discarded stuff, just because it isn’t the newer or the better item.

Somewhere we stopped thinking about what we are purchasing. We stopped planning, and saving, and we started reacting and hoarding.

And let’s be straight here – I don’t have any problem with you participating in a sale and getting a great deal on an item, but make sure what you are buying, is something you really NEED.

A purchase made with logic, and planning, and one that you can afford, and that is suitable to the gift receiver; THAT gift feels wonderful to give.

Something over the top, gotten at a great deal will only mislead our kids as to what they can afford, and to the true value of the stuff in their home.

Use Black Friday, go for it! But use it wisely, use it well. Don’t over buy, but take advantage of those sales for things you really need, things that will make your life a little better. . . not more cluttered.

And remember, just because it is on sale, doesn’t mean you need it.

And just because you got it, and got it at a deal, doesn’t mean it will add value to your life.

And it you want a holiday that  isn’t filled with stuff and purchasing remorse, then make that happen.  Set limits, and say no. In the end, and on the day, your kids will be surrounded by choices you have made for them. Start them off well in life by choosing well for them. . . it will probably be the best gift you give them in their lives.