Dear Readers,

It’s no secret that the holidays are the perfect time to give back. Although we touched on this topic in the last issue of “The Budget,” we’d like to discuss what it really means to give back.

Increasingly, members of our society fail to remember that the holiday season is about appreciating what we have, and not just what we have the potential to gain. What we should truly keep in mind is what we have to give.

In the article “Students overcome economic obstacles,” students are encouraged to bring holiday cheer to less fortunate families through the Adopt-A-Family program.

According to the Kansas State Department of Education, 40.68 percent of LHS students are “economically disadvantaged.” However, our second hour classes annually contribute more than any other school or business in Douglas County for Adopt-A-Family.

Although here at LHS we do our part to keep the spirit of the holiday season, elsewhere, capitalism has taken over Thanksgiving, Christmas and a number of other holidays.

This year, Black Friday started at an earlier time and cut into some families’ Thanksgiving feasts. In the past, although held at insanely early times, Black Friday shopping only took place the day after Thanksgiving. However, this year department stores opened their doors and took employees and shoppers away from their families for commercial pursuits as early as 8 p.m.

After being seated around a table discussing what we’re thankful for, a few hours later we seek more material items. Oddly enough, often what we claim we’re grateful for at the table are the things that money cannot buy.

As illustrated in “Students ‘drift’ away from safety,” to some, video games seem to be valued by our own generation more than spending time with loved ones. Video games like “Battlefield 4” and “Call of Duty: Ghosts” made shoppers rush to the store a few weeks ago. Although these games came out prior to the holiday season, the best deals on items are strategically discounted in the gift-giving season.

Ironically, when families do stay together for Black Friday shopping, the idea of Santa Claus giving gifts is completely shattered. Even the concept of the surprise gifts on Christmas morning is diminished by kids picking out their own toys late on Thanksgiving night or early morning on Black Friday.

Not only does Black Friday ruin family time, but it has led to the deaths and injuries of almost 80 people. BlackFridayDeathCount.com keeps toll of the deaths and injuries sustained each year. That’s an easy way to ruin Thanksgiving.

So, students, if you were lucky enough to survive Black Friday this year, keep in mind the consequences of capitalism, and remember what the holiday season is supposed to be about.

Sincerely,

Ashley Hocking and Kendra Schwartz