Back in high school, my post-Thanksgiving ritual was an early wake-up call at 6AM, ready to conquer Black Friday. Westminster Mall and Fry’s Electronics were my battlegrounds, now sadly silent relics of a bygone era. My treasure trove? Cheap DVDs of beloved TV shows.
Fast forward to 2023, and Black Friday feels more like a subdued echo of its former self. The highlight this year? Snagging matching Disney Pajama Sets at a sweet 40% off in Target and indulging in 50% off Pho at Phoholic—definitely not your typical Black Friday steals, but satisfying for my wallet and taste buds.
The pandemic has reshaped Black Friday into a week-long shopping fiesta. While it’s safer and less chaotic, it’s also lost that adrenaline rush—the thrill of the hunt and the camaraderie in the queues. It’s become more about the bargains than the experience, leaving behind a bittersweet memory of those chilly, exhilarating moments waiting for doors to open. The change might be for the better, but I’ll always hold those old Black Friday adventures close to my heart.
