The holidays are all about family traditions, even if those traditions require getting up early in the morning to go shopping the day after Thanksgiving. Millions of people each year get up as early as four in the morning to go shopping on the biggest shopping day of the year.
Some people think getting up early and facing the crazy crowds is ridiculous. Others disagree and say going shopping is more than saving a few extra dollars and is about continuing a family tradition.
Emily Pittinger, senior psychology major, said she was brought up to think that shopping the day after Thanksgiving was more about family bonding than extra savings.
"I think that it is important to keep family traditions alive, even when they are as small as going shopping each year, because those are the traditions that keep families close," Pittinger said. "I know that when and if I ever have a daughter, she will be going with me when she is old enough to continue what my mom and I have always done together."
Erica Stewart, a freshman speech-pathology major, has always gone shopping on the day after Thanksgiving with her family.
"I look forward to going each year because I get to spend time with my family, who I don't always get to see, but also because we have so much fun together," she said.
This year Stewart has to break her family tradition because of her duties as a Ball State University cheerleader. She will be cheering on the Cardinals in their game against the Kent State Golden Flashes the Friday after Thanksgiving.
"I am disappointed that I can't go shopping with my family, but I have a responsibility to my cheer squad," Stewart said. "However, I sill have the chance to see everyone on Thanksgiving, and I will just be that much more excited about next year when I can go again."
Laura McDonald, senior accounting major, is going shopping for the first time this year.
"I have always thought that the people who subject themselves to all that craziness, just to go shopping, were insane," McDonald said. "But when I heard about how much money people save and all the fun they have, I figured I would give shopping a try."
McDonald might be going for the first time, but she is just as excited as someone who has been going for years.
"I am actually looking forward to going shopping with my family and knowing that I might be starting my own family tradition, even if it is a little crazy," she said.
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