The "mere" fact that people have died during Black Friday rampages is reason enough to dispense with it. Of course, I realize that's pretty unrealistic at this point. It's too much of a sacred cow.

When did Black Friday become such a big deal by the way? I vaguely remember the Friday after Thanksgiving being a shopping day when I was a kid, but I don't remember it being quite so crazy. Of course, when I was a kid, the concept of indoor malls was still a bit of a novelty. Certainly, there was no such thing as a "big box retailer." We mostly shopped at L.S. Ayres and Blocks--large downtown department stores. They were civilized places if memory serves. Going there at Christmas time was a treat because of all the pretty decorations, including a huge tree. Now everything is just so obnoxious and in your face. I'll admit it; I've grown to really dislike the holidays because of it.