By Shannon McOmber
For one day of the year battles resembling the duels of the old west evidence themselves in Department stores and malls all across America. Brave citizens roll out of bed, laugh in the face of their raging indigestion, and join the hoard of bargainers taking advantage of the biggest shopping thrill of the year – the day after Thanksgiving sales.
For some the day is nearly religious, anticipated more than Christmas itself. But for others the day is dreaded and avoided at all cost.
Wendi Andelin, 19, a sophomore from Pasco, Wash., majoring in biology composite teaching, is one of these day-after dreaders.
“It’s always so crowded and the lines make it not worth the sales,” Andelin said. “I don’t want to waste my holiday standing in line.”
But there are those who would disagree.
Cassie Taylor, 19, a sophomore from Midland, Texas, majoring in civil engineering regards the holiday with reverence. Taylor and her grandmother spend the morning sleeping in and browsing the papers for the sales before hitting the pavement armed only with a credit card and a Christmas list – the duo does not stop until dinnertime.
But the sport is not limited to women.
Spencer Hall, 23, a senior from Provo, Utah, majoring in visual arts, uses the day as a social event.
“I go almost every year with my friends,” Hall said. “We get to see tons of people we know and get some Christmas shopping done at the same time.”
But what about the “biggest shopping day of the year” drawbacks?
“The lines are part of the fun on the day after Thanksgiving. Any other day of the year they are a pain, but they are do-able on that day,” said Hall.
But while Hall is out shopping, many of his female counterparts are involved in tamer activities.
Rebecca Olsen, 18, a freshman from Salem, Ore., majoring in nutrition, does not really care about the day after craze – she has other interests in mind.
“I don’t go holiday shopping,” Olsen said, “I stay home and eat some more!”
