Black Friday...Need versus Want

Black Friday...Need versus Want My email is swamped with messages titled, Black Friday Deals and it is making me M.A.D. I am not a great consumer. As a matter of fact, I hate shopping and will deliberate for hours over whether or not I should buy the $2.99   toothbrush or the $1.99 one. I am not brand-loyal except when it comes to Diet Coke.   I was raised by two very practical parents and the mantra at our house was Do you need that or do you just want that  Technically, realistically, there is very little I need this Christmas.   I have a roof over my head, food in the refrigerator and loving friends and family. I dont need cheaply made schtuff.   If I do have to buy something, I would rather search to see if I can find it gently used first, especially if it was made in the of natural materials (100% cotton, wood, metalanything but plastic). No, I dont NEED the newest gadgets. Sure, it would be fun to have the new iPhone or an iPad, but I certainly dont NEED one.   Do you? I do need a toilet that will stop running (that requires a new internal mechanism which doesnt cost more than $10). I need a computer (note: just one), that allows reliable connectivity without viruses (Thanks to my friend Wilfred at Microsoft) I need to give and receive love, kindness, empathy, generosity, humility and a host of other important and intangible emotions and values. When it comes right down to it, there really isnt very much I NEED.   And this is why I get so mad at these ads. I dont think anyone needs any of this crap.   I dont believe in consumerism.   I think there are much bigger issues to resolve and buying stuff isnt going to solve them.   As a matter of fact, it may feed the greedy beast. What will you do this season to realistically weigh your Needs versus you Wants?