Turkey, family, football…and shopping?

I’m still trying to get over the fact that Macy’s is breaking a 155-year-old tradition and is going to be opening their doors for the first time ever on Thanksgiving Day.

I get it. If I don’t want to shop I don’t have to. But why does everyone else want to?

Can’t we have one day where families get together and focus on each other and not shopping?

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year, and I thought the tradition for most people was turkey, family and football. Now it appears the new tradition is to feast and shop.

I honestly don’t understand the appeal of waiting in line for a store to open on a holiday.

Please don’t tell me it’s for the great deals you’re going to get, because you‘re not.

Research has shown that the deals are actually better the Friday before Thanksgiving or closer to Christmas Day. Let’s be honest, the big retailers offer a few “great” promotions to get you in the door on the holiday knowing full well that most people won’t get the “door-busters,” but will wind up shopping for other items instead.

Two years ago, Toys R Us began opening on Thanksgiving Day. Last year, Walmart, Sears, Target and Kmart did the same. Macy’s said the 8 p.m. Thanksgiving Day opening (it was midnight last year) comes “in response to interest from customers who prefer to start their shopping early.” This year, Macy’s will stay open 24 hours straight, from 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving until the close of business on Black Friday.

Here’s my take: Stuff will always be there. Time with family and friends is irreplaceable.