We live in a largely capitalist country. There is no requirement that companies allow ANY time off other than legislated time like family leave, voting, military service, etc. I am not a fan of the BF madness, but if others enjoy it, more power to them. Perhaps even the risk of being trampled adds more excitement to the experience (that was a JOKE). If you feel very strongly about shopping venues being open during the actual Thanksgiving holiday itself don't just sit it out and fume. Send feedback to every retailer you know of, via their web sites, who is doing it and lodge your complaint. I doubt it will be overly effective, but it is known that for every one person who lodges a complaint there about a hundred who fume silently. If a company gets enough complaints it's possible that reconsideration could take place.
I don't participate because I personally hate traffic and crowds. Others don't mind - great! I do more of my shopping for items other than staples online every year. That is the future. I don't buy into the whole "gift giving season" concept. I buy things for people throughout the year. When I stumble across something that I think has their name written all over it I buy it for them, no special event required. If I hear, through active listening, that they need something they have no time or inclination to research I do it for them and buy it. These gifts tend to be appreciated a lot more because they are not bought out of a sense of obligation to an almost entirely commercial holiday (Jesus wasn't even born in December). I don't disappoint my kids. They both want money so that's what I give them. NEVER any disappointment with that.
I would rather not belong to an economy that judges its success on pushing unneeded stuff to a lot of people who can't afford it, but that is the way it is right now. Enjoy whatever activity you choose today and happy holidays!
