The meaning behind the Thanksgiving holiday is self-explanatory; it’s a time to give thanks. So the question that surfaces is: Why do people spend one day talking about how grateful they are for all of their privileges and then next day in chaos, shopping for Black Friday?

“My whole family comes over and we all eat a lot of food for Thanksgiving. I normally leave at 8 o’clock Thanksgiving night to go shopping. I usually go with my friends because my mom hates to shop. My dad gets mad at me that I leave Thanksgiving. I think [shopping] is worth it because after you eat there is nothing more to do on Thanksgiving,” Katarina Radoja (11) said.

According to fashionista.com, an average of 226 million Americans went retail shopping online or in stores for last year’s Black Friday weekend. For many people it is a tradition and a way to celebrate Thanksgiving with their family.

“I believe that even though it is a holiday, it is just another day. People can make their own decisions about what they want to do with the day and how they celebrate,” Raymond Pollalis (12) said.

Other families, however, do not approve of the sleepless night that is filled with “deals that are better than ever.”Instead, they would rather keep the traditions of the pioneers and Native Americans alive.

“My mom doesn’t let me go Black Friday shopping. She does not like me going out that late at night, and she does not like the idea of it. She says the Thanksgiving is suppose to be a holiday for family time and bonding,” Alexandra Gomez (11) said.

Whether families argue over politics or bond over football, Thanksgiving to some is a time to stay at home.

“I do not think that Black Friday is OK. It is morally unjust. It is a lot like the purge. People go [shopping] and wait in long lines for discounts and fight. I would much rather sleep,” Cameron Prisby (11) said.