With fall break long gone, everyone is looking forward to Thanksgiving. Many of us can already smell the creamy mashed potatoes and savory turkey.

Ever since 1863, when Abraham Lincoln pronounced it a national holiday, Thanksgiving has been a very important American tradition. Gathering with family and friends and being thankful for all that we have is the very heart of this holiday. We can’t forget about the food: turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy all topped off with some pumpkin pie.

It was only in the 1960s that Black Friday was born. This unofficial holiday following Thanksgiving encourages shoppers to buy, buy, buy.

It’s ironic how a holiday devoted to being thankful is followed by one of shopping and getting more. We go from thankful to selfish in the span of two days.

Many people take Black Friday way too far. In 2008, a Walmart employee in New York was trampled to death by the Black Friday crowd. Shoppers were so focused on getting great deals that they killed a man.

Lately, Black Friday has even been extended back into Thanksgiving night. Instead of spending time with family and friends, people go out shopping.

Black Friday can diminish the importance of Thanksgiving. It makes us seem hypocritical, giving thanks one day and the next, pushing through crowds to get a good deal.

Black Friday isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There’s nothing wrong with taking advantage of the sales. But once it becomes such a big deal that you’re pushing and shoving to get that special edition video game, or that last designer top on the rack, then there’s a problem.

As the holiday season approaches, feel free to enjoy both Thanksgiving and Black Friday. But just keep your priorities in mind as you go shopping on Black Friday.