Isn’t it ironic that Thanksgiving, a day centered around being thankful and appreciative of the things you have, is followed by a day that revolves around an entirely opposite belief? But despite the fact that Black Friday may be regarded as a contradicting holiday to some, I challenge you to see it my way.

Perhaps these desperate shoppers are only lining up outside of stores at 2 a.m. because they’d actually prefer to pay less for materialistic posessions. Though some may beg to differ, that those greedy pigs only want to bring home more goodies for their money, many valid reasons qualify Black Friday shoppers’ choice to partake in the event.

First off, paying less money for a normally pricey item only displays that a person has their priorities in order. Whether the money they save goes towards food for their families, water and electricity bills, or is donated to charity, saving cash shouldn’t be criticized.

Also consider families that are less fortunate. If they typically don’t have the budget to cover a $300 flat screen TV, don’t ridicule their choice to purchase something whose sale has allowed them to comfortably afford it.

Don’t forget about those people who choose to partake in Black Friday just because they want to. If someone wants to buy a nice Christmas gift in advance for a loved one, let them. And even if someone finds a steal they choose to keep for themselves, let them. If you needed a new pair of shoes and found them half off, I know you would want to treat yourself too.

I’m certainly thankful for all I have and partake in Thanksgiving celebrations, but I also woke up before 5 a.m. to go shopping on Black Friday this year. Am I greedy for that? No, it means I’d rather pay less money for something I need as opposed to paying its ridiculous regular price. Clearly, the Black Friday Grinches fail to realistically see shoppers’ reasoning for waking up at the crack of dawn to bargain hunt.