Let's talk about Black Friday.

Here we are in the midst of what is supposedly the most joyous time of year,

the holiday season.

And yet, for most of us, it's the most stressful time of year.

At some point, Santa Claus turned corporate,

and the holiday season metamorphosed into the holiday shopping season.

Shopping.

This one word, although birth from great intentions,

has fundamentally changed our outlook from blissful to grim,

from jolly to anxious,

from celebrating Christmas to surviving the holidays.

It's upsetting, and with consumptions vicious inertia,

it seems there's no way for us to exit the speeding train of consumerism.

This Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, Black Friday.

Retailers prepare months in advance for this dark day.

Preparation that's meant to stimulate our insatiable desire to consume.

Doorbuster sales, new products,

giant newspaper ads, TV, radio, billboards,

sales, sales, sales, early bird specials, one day only.

Get the best deal, act now while supplies last.

See store for details.

But as shiny as its facade may be,

...