It’s an easy joke, perhaps old-fashioned, that greeting card companies put set dates on just about everything. Son’s day, daughter’s day, cats, coffee, donuts…every dog really has their day. We see this phenomenon all over social media. Because there is something in human nature that makes us receptive to this kind of shared, focused consciousness.
(Did you know that November 19th was World Toilet Day?)
Marketers love it.
And during this series of days, most people in the country have no problem acting accordingly even though they are told they must observe Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Artist Sunday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday. It seems like…so many of us just go with it. We shop when and where we’re expected to, and that’s okay. But it feels a bit forced on the one hand, and on the other hand, it doesn’t encourage people to shop small locally, donate to those in need, and patronize local artists for the remaining 362 days of the year. It’s too neglected for people. .
Don’t get me wrong. It’s fun and if it helps people switch their focus for a day or two, that’s great. However, if you label him two or three days in a row, none of it will be noticeable.
So, here’s the problem. Black Friday or Cyber Even if he doesn’t get to finish all his holiday shopping on Monday, he still has nearly a month left. And most likely, the gift you find will be more appreciated than the cheaply made and heavily discounted items you find under a bunch of trees.
If you don’t have the opportunity to donate on Giving Tuesday, we can help nonprofits find ways to support you throughout the year.
Marketing and labeling are meant to be fun, not forced, but I know more than a few people who feel a nagging sense of guilt if they don’t actively participate during a designated number of days. I know.
That’s not how life works. If you participate and have fun, maybe you can do a little bit of good, which is great. If you can do these things almost any other time, that’s great too.
By the way, according to the National Day Calendar, Monday is not only Cyber Monday, but also Bavarian Cream Pie day.
“Every year on November 27th, National Bavarian Cream Pie Day, a grand array of pies are recognized. This rich and delicious dessert is made possible thanks to French chef Marie Antione Carême. ”
Eating pumpkin pie is distracting, right?
Whether you commit fully to a designated behavior each labeled day or just do your thing, the important thing is that you’re doing either because it makes you happy. That is to say. Be yourself this holiday season. Social media is no good.
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Speaking of donations, I’m sure things may have changed by the time this column goes to print, but Angel Tree still has a lot of tags attached. Don’t wait until Giving Tuesday to get yours. The deadline to return the gift is December 4th here in Parkersburg. Don’t miss your chance to help your child have a more enjoyable Christmas.
Christina Meyer is editor-in-chief of the Parkersburg News and Sentinel. She can be reached by email at cmyer@newsandsentinel.com.