Thanksgiving in the USA
When I lived in California for a year and a half, I had the chance to immerse myself in one of the most iconic American traditions—Thanksgiving. It wasn’t just about the turkey (though that was amazing) or the pumpkin pie. Thanksgiving felt like a collective pause, a moment to gather with friends, express gratitude, and appreciate the simple joys of life. For someone new to the experience, seeing people prioritising connection over the daily grind was heartwarming.
Then came Black Friday. I’ll admit I was curious about the hype, and it didn’t disappoint. Walking into stores, I witnessed the madness—long lines, frantic shoppers, and, most importantly, genuine discounts. As chaotic as it was, I couldn’t deny the thrill. Unlike many sales events, Black Friday in the U.S. often delivers real deals. I scored some great bargains and could see why it’s such a big deal.
Black Friday in Australia
Now, living in Australia, I can’t help but compare how these events translate here. Thanksgiving doesn’t exist in Australia, so there’s no lead-up to Black Friday. Yet, retailers here have adopted Black Friday as a major sales event. To me, it feels a bit hollow. Without the cultural significance of Thanksgiving as a backdrop, Black Friday in Australia seems like just another excuse to push consumerism.
Thanksgiving Versus Black Friday in Context
Thanksgiving in the U.S. is deeply rooted in history, dating back to the Pilgrims and their celebration of gratitude and survival. It has meaning beyond the food and festivities. On the other hand, Black Friday signals the start of the holiday shopping season. While it’s undoubtedly commercial, its connection to Thanksgiving gives it context and a sense of tradition.
In Australia, Black Friday feels disconnected. It’s purely about sales; in my experience, the discounts don’t always live up to the hype. As someone who’s witnessed the real thing in the U.S., it’s hard not to see Australia’s version as a watered-down imitation.
How Black Friday Shapes Shopping in Australia
Since it’s become a global trend, Black Friday has undeniably impacted Australian shopping habits. Local retailers use it to compete with international giants like Amazon, and many people take advantage of it to kick off their Christmas shopping. However, it lacks the same buzz I experienced in the U.S. Here, it feels like just another sale tacked onto an already crowded retail calendar, with sales like Boxing Day holding more cultural significance.
A Global Trend with Mixed Results
What this really highlights for me is how globalisation shapes traditions. Black Friday shows how a uniquely American event can be adapted (or misadapted) in different cultures. On one hand, it allows Australian businesses to tap into global trends. On the other, it raises questions about authenticity and whether we’re losing touch with the meaning behind these events.
What Lies Ahead for Black Friday in Australia
I can’t help but wonder how Black Friday in Australia will evolve. Will it continue to grow, perhaps taking on a more local flavour? Or will it remain a surface-level import with a limited connection to Australian values and traditions? As consumers, we have a role to play in shaping these trends—whether by demanding better deals, supporting local businesses, or shopping more mindfully.
What I Learned
Thanksgiving taught me to pause and appreciate life’s blessings. Black Friday in the U.S. showed me how to spot a good deal. But in Australia, I find myself craving for more meaning behind the sales frenzy. It’s not just about buying but how these moments connect to something bigger.
What do you think? Have you noticed the differences between Black Friday in the U.S. and Australia? Or do you see it as just another sale?
Best,
Rodrigo Branco Matsumoto.
