“I’m thankful for my health, for how blessed I am. I’m thankful for everything I possess and that my belongings are bountiful.” Phrases like this echo over houses all over America on the night of Thanksgiving. When people give thanks for all they’ve received. But just a few hours later one-third of these people are pushing and shoving at their local Wal-Mart to get that special deal on a 60 inch T.V.

One of the most shameful shopping days of the year is Black Friday. The day that we once had to relax and spend time with family is now spent looking through ads and preparing for a night full of shopping. In a report on Buzzfeed, 26 percent of shoppers admitted to having planned their shopping online on the day of Thanksgiving. Talk about quality time with the family. In a study on hubspot, one in every three adults admitted to going Black Friday shopping.

Reports of stabbings, shootings and theft of items flood police offices early Friday morning. In 2013, authorities in Las Vegas received a call that two armed men attempted to steal a T.V from a man who had just bought it that night. After a few minutes of conflict, the man was shot in the leg and the assailants drove away, leaving the T.V behind. In Virginia, a man was slashed with a knife during an altercation at a local Wal-Mart. Oftentimes, stores like Target and Wal-Mart have to stock up on security just to keep things under control, and many employees wouldn’t feel safe without them.

Slowly but surely, Black Friday is ruining Thanksgiving. Last year was the first year they introduced Black Thursday shopping. It’s one thing to have this go on the day after Thanksgiving, but now it’s interrupting the traditional meal itself. Shopping started as early as 7 p.m. last year. Many families quickly ate their meals, said their meaningless thanks, and then purchased new gifts.

This is something that is unacceptable. Black Friday is slowly taking its hold on the country and is causing the death of Thanksgiving. This “Holiday” is increasing in popularity so quickly, that I fear the next generation will never truly be able to celebrate the day of Thanksgiving. In order for this to be changed people need to protest. Stores won’t be inspired to start early if their sales don’t increase. All we have to do to stop Black Friday is celebrate Thanksgiving, and actually give thanks for the things we have.