The holidays are upon us, and in true American spirit people have taken to the streets in the name of consumerism. Grocery store shelves are pillaged, and potential presents are put on layaway at KMart — on the off chance one of your relatives might appreciate their third pair of novelty Christmas socks.

Just like our pilgrim predecessors who landed on the shores of New England hundreds of years ago, modern Americans revel in the spirit of giving gifts no one wants for that feeling of sweet, sweet superiority. Whether it’s a blanket capable of transmitting smallpox or another calendar that will never be freed from its cellophane confines, we certainly love to give to feel better about ourselves.

Make sure to take the time to fight your way through the scrum at a local Target or Walmart when the doors open this Friday; you wouldn’t want to let down that nephew you haven’t spoken to since last year!

And for those of us less brave, there is still hope. The miracles of modern technology allow you to order a turkey themed oven mitt for Grandma to wear while cooking turkey, all while swathed in a Snuggie cocoon in the comfort of your own home — you don’t even have to put down your Pumpkin Sangria!

In all seriousness, America certainly spends a great deal around the holidays — especially on Black Friday. This year alone Americans are projected to spend $682 billion on Black Fridays four day weekend. To put that into perspective, the American Department of Education’s budget for the entire 2018 fiscal year is 11.5 times less than what citizens will spend in those four days.

More wholesome alternatives for black friday shopping include: donating money to a local nonprofit or charity. Excess goods can be donated to a local Savers, and/or contributed to a local food drive.

For students in need, Foothill also offers food assistance, medical aid, and emergency financial assistance.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to binge spend on gifts and goodies. The spirit of the holiday season is generosity, so let us all try to extend a bit of love to someone less fortunate. Our society can’t stand if we don’t stand together — and sometimes we need help from others to stay on our feet.

It’s as Clement Clarke Moore wrote in 1823: “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!”