Friday, November 29, 2013

Black Friday, Green Friday, You're Welcomegiving, more

November 29th, 2013, is Black Friday, Buy Nothing Day, Green Friday, You're Welcomegiving, Sinkie Day, National Day of Listening, Native American Heritage Day, Flossing Day, Square Dance Day, Electronic Greetings Day, International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, and Throw Out Your Leftovers Day.

A personal note: Chances are, the folks who obsess over Black Friday are too busy shopping to read this, but I would urge everyone to scale back a bit. Must we force retail employees to cut their celebrations short in order to open their doors at 4:00 am on Black Friday or even on Thanksgiving evening? Just think about it. (Stepping down from my soapbox now.)

The day after Thanksgiving brings holidays related to the shopping season, notably the infamous Black Friday. Kudos to you if you camped out for days to get the best deal on a new flat-screen TV. No kudos to you if you elbowed people aside, used pepper spray, or worse. Never forget the true meaning of the holiday season.

At the opposing end of the philosophical spectrum is Buy Nothing Day in the US. Internationally, the event takes place tomorrow. Just relax, reflect on yesterday's celebration, retain your healthy bank balance, and stay away from the mob scene.

Some areas, notably New York City, observe Green Friday, encouraging shoppers to skip the big stores and shop second-hand or non-profits instead.

You're Welcomegiving (or simply You're Welcome Day) logically follows Thanksgiving, if you think about it.

The day after Thanksgiving also brings a food-related holiday. Brought to you by the International Association of People Who Dine over the Kitchen Sink, today is Sinkie Day! Enjoy those no-muss, no-fuss holiday leftovers.

National Day of Listening is the time to thank a special teacher by recording your experiences online. A U.S. map features states that turn brighter orange as more citizens participate.

Native American Heritage Day is always observed on the day after Thanksgiving, just as the National Day of Mourning is always observed on Thanksgiving.

Yet another post-Thanksgiving holiday is Flossing Day. The National Flossing Council asks everyone to "Help Spread Peace of Mouth."

Swing your partner! Do-si-do! Turn up the music and celebrate Square Dance Day. Now promenade!

Save some stamps this holiday season, if you're not too much of a traditionalist. Send ecards instead of paper in honor of Electronic Greetings Day.

The United Nations sponsors International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on November 29th. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes, "Let us, on this International Day, reaffirm our commitment to translating solidarity into positive action. The international community must help steer the situation towards a historic peace agreement."

November 29th is Throw Out Your Leftovers Day. In 2013, however, this holiday is only one day after Thanksgiving, so please don't toss the turkey and dressing just yet!


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