Cyber Monday

Lexi Jerding

I don’t understand all of the hype about Black Friday shopping. Who wants to wake up early, or get no sleep at all, just to go to an overcrowded mall with a bunch of strangers? Are the sales really worth the insomnia and hassle of maneuvering through the clogged hallways and long store lines? I can think of many other things I would rather do than endure the cold, crowds and chaos. There is always that added chance that you survive the brutal crowds and potentially aggressive atmosphere, only to come home empty handed. Or maybe you survived the crowds, but got to your favorite store opening late, you’ll still go home empty handed. The door-busting sales disappear faster than food hitting a table of starving teenage boys. So why not avoid the stress all together and get the same great sales, from the comfort of your own home, on Cyber Monday.

Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving and offers the same exceptional bargains as Black Friday without having to leave your home. It’s easy:  just grab your laptop, lay down on your comfortable couch next to the fire place, and shop away. Every store you could ever want is at your fingertips. There is no need to waste gas driving through traffic all over town just to get to your favorite stores. On Cyber Monday, the best deals at your favorite stores are only a click away.

Not only is it more convenient, it’s also much faster. People spend hours at the mall trying to find a parking spot, navigating through crowds and waiting in checkout lines when they could get all their shopping done in an hour online. Literally just go online to your favorite website, pick out as many things as you want and check out. It’s quick and easy. Why not get all your Christmas shopping done in one sitting while also getting exceptional sales?

Finally, there is nothing more exciting than coming home to a package you have been waiting for. Opening the package is like opening a present that you know you will like. Have you ever opened a present from a grandparent and had to pretend you loved it even though it’s like a ball of yarn? It’s awkward. With Cyber Monday, you don’t have to worry about your lack of acting skills. Nothing compares to the feeling of finally receiving something you wanted.

Cyber Monday is easily better than Black Friday in a multitude of ways. It’s easier, quicker, and accessible from anywhere, including the comfort of your own home. Avoid the early morning wakeup call and mobs this year and get the same great deals online. The best Christmas gifts are just a click away. Happy shopping.

Black Friday

Sophie Zetzsche

When many Americans think of Thanksgiving, one of the first things that comes to their mind is Black Friday shopping. What better way to celebrate thankfulness than running through a Walmart at 5 A.M. with a twelve pack of socks under one arm and a brand new computer under the other? Now, experiences like that are not experiences you get shopping online on Cyber Monday. Although the deals are relatively similar both online and in stores, Black Friday shopping is the way to go.

After eating Thanksgiving dinner and going back for seconds, thirds and for some of us, even fourths, Black Friday shopping is probably one of the best ways to work off that food baby. Black Friday shopping is a great way to incorporate many different styles of exercise. You will be doing lots of running on Black Friday whether it is running to the fifty cent DVDs or to the first open register. Another great exercise to do on Black Friday is lunges. Odds are, on Black Friday you will be doing lots of standing in lines, which can often make your legs tired, so some deep leg lunges are a great way to keep your legs from feeling tired. Sitting in front of a computer on Cyber Monday would not give you the same toned calves that Black Friday would give you.

Another reason to go Black Friday shopping is the bonding time it gives you with family. A majority of Black Friday is waiting in lines, which gives you ample time to talk with friends or family. Maybe bring a distant cousin with you to shop, and by late Friday morning you guys will be reconnected bonding over fun family memories.

The final reason to go Black Friday shopping is the adrenaline rush it gives you. The feeling you get while running through stores and throwing yourself on top of discounted products is a feeling like no other. In those seconds, you feel like you have enough energy to run a marathon. It is an incredible feeling that you really cannot get while sitting in front of your computer typing in your credit card information.

Overall, Black Friday is the better holiday compared to Cyber Monday. Between the thrill and relationships it gives you, nothing can beat buying discounted products in the store and getting to take them home with you that day.