When I was a child, I remember finding it very odd (to say the least) that people would trample one another just to score a discount on material goods. I also found it unusual that no sooner would people finish enjoying a meal with their families, they would abandon them to rush to a participating store and wait in-line just to be the first in the crowd to score a deal. These opinions were further strengthened when my family - primarily my mother - would openly express disgust for the so-called holiday. I also noticed later on that the prices of these goods would surprisingly increase before being "marked down" for Black Friday. The whole Black Friday event felt like a scam and I never had a desire to participate.

Although I can't help but roll my eyes at the fact that Black Friday has now become a month-long event for some companies offering less discounts, at least I no longer hear reports of people being trampled or fist-fights breaking out for the latest Tickle Me Elmo or whatever crap is popular in a given year.