by: Ava Hardaway 

Thanksgiving has ended, and the shopping season has arrived. Sales and discounts from all stores started on the biggest shopping day, Black Friday.  

When going shopping during the holidays, stores are constantly busy. There are lines headed out the doors because so many people are out getting their gifts for others or themselves. Many stores like Target, Bath & Body Works, Hollister, American Eagle and other stores in the Westmoreland Mall offered deals for Black Friday.  

Sophomore Anna Shevchik was out shopping on the biggest shopping day of the year. She got her day started early with a 6am door opening.  

“I enjoy shopping during the holidays,” Shevchik said. “I think it’s an enjoyable time, especially if I go with family or friends.” 

Many people go out early every year to go shopping. Long lines start to form, but with many employees working, people are quickly out of line and on their way to their next store of choice.  

“I had to wait in long lines to check out,” she said. “But I didn’t have to wait to get into any stores.” 

After Thanksgiving, shopping for the holiday season truly starts. One of the biggest forms of shopping is online shopping. This has continued to grow through the years but is mainly larger around this time of year.  

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A photo of a Target ad that was sent out to customers via email shows off Black Friday deals.

Photo courtesy: Ava Hardaway

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According to BBC News, from 2006-2020, online shopping sales shot up 30%, becoming the easiest and most convenient form of shopping. Many parents enjoy this feature because they don’t have to worry about the rush of shopping with many other parents who are out for the same thing.  

High school French teacher Stephanie Grace is a mother of two younger children. She enjoys staying at home and shopping, rather than going out and facing the crowds during the holidays. 

“You know, I have to say, I have really never been a huge shopper,” Mrs. Grace said. “That’s not how I spend my weekends and it’s not my favorite thing. I would say, I prefer online shopping. I like the convenience of it and I like that I can compare my options comfortably from my home.” 

Everyone has a different opinion about their form of shopping. Many people dislike it very much, while others enjoy it. 

“I don’t love going out, personally,” Grace said. “There are so many people, and everyone is stressed with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but I do enjoy being able to see my product before I bring it home. So, I am up in the air with that one.” 

As the holiday season is in full swing, more people are out and get to enjoy the sights of the holidays. Stores, restaurants and towns decorate for the holidays. Many cities and towns have had light up nights to get a start on Christmas and the other holidays that are followed by it.  

Christmas traditions are different from family to family. Mrs. Grace and her family have a holiday tradition that has continued throughout the years.  

“When my daughter was little, and when she started to understand Christmas, I kept asking her questions,” Grace said. “Who comes to the house? Santa. What does Santa bring? Presents. Where does Santa put them? In the bathtub. And I kept asking her over, and over again, where does Santa put the presents? In the bathtub. So, our family tradition is that there is always a present left in the bathtub. Every morning, they get up bright and early to go and see what is left in the bathtub.”