Black Friday

I never really understood the obsession with Black Friday. It’s mere existence is a complete contradiction, as people run over one another to get great deals on material objects less than 24 hours after they all sat down to dine with family and be thankful for what they have. It’s just insanity.

I’ve never really participated in Black Friday sales, mainly because I’m not in a hurry to save a few bucks. I’d rather go later and pay full price than risk getting trampled and hurt. Up here in Canada, Black Friday sales are nothing short of pathetic. The stores up here thing 10% is a good sale, so when you compare that to the 50-70% sale in the US, you can start to understand why things are a lot crazier south of the border.

My Dad on the other hand loves Black Friday, and grabs whatever deal he can get his hands on. For example, the Playstation 3 that my son uses whenever he visits me on his weekends is pretty much on its last leg. So I started to save up to replace the machine. I got a call from my Dad earlier today that he’s taken care of my console issues. Apparently at his local Walmart in Florida, they were having a sale that solved my problems. He bought a new Playstation 4, with 1 terrabyte of space for only $199.

That’s one hell of a deal. I was planning on upgrading, so that take care of my problem.

This is something I’ve noticed with Dad since he’s been on his own over the last year. He’s been buying things for everyone, and not concerned about it as we thought he was in years past. In years prior, I never got things like this before but I really didn’t care. If I got a shirt, socks, or anything really… I was cool with it. When it comes to gifts, it’s the thought that counts. Now I’m starting to think Mom might have been the wet blanket that was ruining Dad’s fun, and now he’s spending what he has as if someone was going to take it away if he didn’t. I got a new laptop last year for Xmas, and now the PS4 this year. The boys will love the new system, and I will too because now I can upgrade my baseball game. While I appreciate the gesture, I’m going to reimburse Dad for at least half of it when I get my next check from my comic boss.

Another thing I didn’t bother to consider is that while Dad did have kickass insurance with the company he worked with, chances are a lot of my mother’s medical expenses were likely not covered and I’m sure he had some brutal medical bills the last few years of mom’s life. Living here in Canada, that’s something I often forget about since we don’t get medical bills.

Last Xmas my brother Chris went down to Nashville to keep Dad company his first holiday without Mom. This year since the boys are with their mom this Xmas, I’m going to make the trek to Florida (I know, big sacrifice here), and keep Dad company this year. I’m actually looking forward to spending some one on one time with the old man, and the nice weather is an added bonus. I’m not going to do my Xmas shopping until after the holiday, and take advantage of boxing day sales before heading home… which are not as insane as Black Friday from what I’ve heard.

So I don’t plan on doing anything big or grand while in Florida. Just chill out with Dad and enjoy the weather and maybe do some writing if I can find the time. I’ll take my laptop with me if such an opportunity were to arise. Chances are I’ll spend most of December doing edits and revisions of the new book so I can be released in January as planned. Very exited about that.

Presents are nice and I like them as much as the next person, but in my later years I prefer good company over a gift. This PS4 is as much of a gift for the kids as it is for me, so I’m happy to share it with my boys… but I’m looking forward to time shared as much as I am presents. That to me is what makes a holiday special, good company rather than good gifts.

Cheers,

Peter