Black or Bless Friday, it is intended as a positive day for many
Unfortunately the term “Black Friday” gives the wrong connotation because it is basically a positive day.
The name “black” dates back to the days when books were kept by hand, using red and black ink. Red indicated debt and black noted profit. Many national retailers only hit the black or positive and profitable side of the annual ledger on Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. This year Black Friday falls on Nov. 23.
The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s when retailers realized it was a better day to offer Christmas specials than the last days prior to Dec. 25. Ever since the Christmas Day Parade of 1924, the Friday after Thanksgiving has been known as the start of the bustling holiday shopping season.
Some stores open early with outstanding values while others offer them throughout the day. Regardless, it is the time considered by many as the serious start of their Christmas shopping.
Three years ago, Chuck Fox founded an nondenominational church-based effort, Bless Friday, in Houston, Texas. This special day-after-Thanksgiving event is offered as an alternate to Black Friday, providing an opportunity to serve others, keeping sight of the real reason for Christmas.
While there is absolutely no connection, those who insist on making it a black Friday, can turn back to the financial crisis of 1869. That was a stock market catastrophe set off by gold spectators who tried and failed to corner the gold market, causing the market to collapse and stocks to plummet.
Black or Bless Friday, we think it is a good day to do both. Shop with others in mind and donate some time to projects helping those who are more needy.
