As we worked hard to finish up last-minute assignments before the long holiday weekend, we likely encouragedourselves with the thought of home.

For most of us, this Thursday will mean turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and pies. We will ready ourselves for family Thanksgiving traditions. Maybe an early morning turkey trot, watching football or perhaps we’ll laugh at a favorite relative who enjoys one glass too many.

We will remind ourselves of what matters:  family and friends. Most of us will mutter the phrase “I’m thankful for…” at least once. All across the United States, families will gather to appreciate life’s greatest gift:  quality time with those we care about most. We will hug our loved ones and thank God for another day with full bellies and a roof over our heads.

And then, as Thursday turns into Friday, all hell will break loose.

Black Friday.

Millions of Americans will flock to every major retailer for doorbuster deals. Walmart alone served 22 million customers on Black Friday last year. People will camp out, push, shove and sprint to get the best deals. Some will strategize every purchase, others will simply buy what looks appealing. In the case of stores crazy enough to open at 8 p.m. on Thursday, such as Sears, Macy’s and Target, customers will likely sacrifice time with their families to get the best deals. Those who are committed enough to go to Toys R Us for the opening at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day will definitely miss out on family time.

At one point in our history, I’m sure Thanksgiving’s placement on a Thursday was a true blessing. It meant that we enjoyed an extra day with loved ones. Now, in an unfortunately classic American tradition, it opens up another day of the year to consume. To buy. To put it on the card.

In 2012, Americans spent an estimated $59.1 billion on Black Friday, averaging to roughly $423 per consumer.

Black Friday represents a deeper concern of consumerism. Even if everyone boycotted Black Friday, we would likely buy a similar amount of products during the holiday season. We live in a society based on the mentality of buying, buying, buying. Americans want stuff, and we want a lot of it.

What’s worse is that we put ourselves into debt to do it. In the United States, the average individual credit card debt for an individual is $15,112, as of this month.

The 36 hours between the Thursday morning preparation of Thanksgiving dinner, to the empty store shelves Friday evening are the most hypocritical time of the year. For a society that is so willing to be thankful for what we have, we are too easily persuaded that we need more.