I’ll tell you what I am NOT doing today and that’s SHOP. Yes, even in Canada we have the Black Friday Frenzy. Worse where I live because it’s close to the border so some people drive over to Port Huron to get even better deals with even more crowds even though our dollar is only worth 75 cents in the U.S.
Shopping is destroying our earth. We have tons of stuff and we keep buying more stuff. People who’s closets are packed full go out and look for something they don’t need at all just to get a temporary rush from buying a thing. Even better if you buy a thing and get a good deal. But the feeling is soon lost and they’re back off to the Mall for another fix.
Last year I went to The Mall near Christmas time and it sickened me. So many people spending so much money on crap, nothing. Buying stuff for people they don’t need or want. Money, money, money. So many go into serious debt. What a marketing scheme; buy a gift for everyone you know! All those people buying all those presents; its insanity, mass hysteria. And builds as if the world ended Dec. 26. Then you go out for Boxing Days Deals. What? You didn’t get enough stuff?!
“Have you got all your Christmas shopping done?” Is the mindless question everyone will be asking soon. I just say yes and try not to look disgusted.
Yesterday the prompt was gratitude. I am so grateful for my present lifestyle; retired. I practiced my own exercise routine in the morning, in the afternoon I went to yoga which is free with my Opening Doors group.
Today I’m continuing to be grateful because I don’t have to go anywhere and it’s sunny! It’s been a dark and dreary month; yesterday was really cold. But today its nice and I’m going to put up Christmas lights. It’s dark so early; I need cheery lights in the evening. But I’m just turning on the white ones until closer to Christmas. It’s too early for the festive coloured lights; I’ll put them up but leave them unplugged for a couple weeks….. when I get my tree….oh boy!
And I’ll replace the autumn leaves decor with pine boughs.
I’m happy! This is way better than shopping!
https://ragtagcommunity.wordpress.com/2018/11/23/rdp-friday-shop/
monicle's chronicles 
I hear ya! I went to a friend’s house 2 years ago and was sickened by how many gifts her kids got and her daughter didn’t play with any of it. I got a friend a gift card for a movie theatre so she could take a niece of nephew. I’m not a big fan of gift cards but at least it’s giving an experience rather than a gift.