Not buying it.
Nine things to do instead of (Black Friday, or any standard) shopping.
Blacklisting Black Friday? Don’t know where to start?
Pour yourself a nice hot drink (maybe black coffee or black tea?) and get cozy. Don’t forget to let yourself relax. If you feel the urge to do something other than relax, here are nine simple suggestions that do require just a bit more mental thought from you.
[ Do note: This list can be used any time of the year when you need an alternative to a regularly scheduled shopping trip. ]
No pressure:
1.
Go to the library.
There’s this really cool place that has the best deals in town. I mean, it’s like free. A best kept secret. Books, movies, heat, air conditioning, quiet tables and chairs (sometimes even coffee and snacks). Need to get away for an hour to stream that show no one else around you can endure? The library has wifi, too.
2.
Learn something new.
What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn? How about a language? First aid certification online? Knot tying? Calligraphy? Succulent propagation? Crochet? How to make homemade chai? Speed reading? The worth vintage coins? The South American capitals by heart? Morse code? How to build a clock? What’s around the riverbend? Untold knowledge awaits.
3.
Make Memories.
Build a pillow fort. Count how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. Decorate gingerbread cookies so much that you’ve made a new creature. No matter your age.
4.
Sleep and hydrate.
What is everyone always saying? You should sleep more. You should drink more water. Well, they’re probably right. Unless you’re sleeping and hydrating to a perfect degree. So, get some extra sleep and drink plenty of water. We care about you.
5.
Write a screenplay, draft a novel, compose a haiku.
Consider writing.
Something short or something long.
Perhaps a haiku.
6.
Explore the outdoors.
Breathe fresh air. Spot a bird. Wave to the trees.
7.
Give Back.
Plan ahead for a few #GivingTuesday donations (many will be matched). Reach out to local nonprofits you admire ask how you can support through volunteer or otherwise.
8.
Shop Small.
If it is indeed a life or death matter and you must shop on Black Friday, consider starting your Small Business Saturday shopping a day early. And, of course, you can support your favorite local, small businesses year-round.
9.
Send those thank-you cards or check off that lingering to-do, finally.
It’s about time. There are plenty of things to thank people for. Like being a decent human being, taking out the trash, listening.
And of course, if you do decide to snag those #BlackFriday deals, stay safe, warm and kind. 💖
Let’s build a community of care, together.
Lydia is an art director and designer. When she isn’t commanding keys, you can find her handing out kazoos, exploring the woods of Ohio or drawing words and personifying objects. Tweet at her: @theLydiary.
