Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It’s a time when we get to slow down from our responsibilities and on-the-go schedules to spend time with family and friends. It’s an opportunity to think about all of our blessings and be thankful.

The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday, the nation’s busiest day of sales. Only on Black Friday can you get a laptop for 90 percent off or top fashion for clearance prices. Thousands of people bundle up and wait outside major retail stores in the middle of the night to get the best products for the best deals.

A lot of people incorporate Black Friday shopping into their yearly traditions. My aunt and cousins enjoy Black Friday. They like waiting for the stores to open because it lets them spend time together, and they like the rush they get when the stores finally open; it feels good to get amazing deals.

While Black Friday shopping can be exciting and productive, it can quickly become a “me first” stampede. People have been trampled and even killed during Black Friday sales. In years past, the cops have been called out to break up fights over discounted televisions. Children have been devastated because the toy they wanted sold out.

What happened to being content and grateful for what you have? What happened to spending time with loved ones because people are more important than things?

The values of Thanksgiving shouldn’t be discarded a few hours later because of a huge sale. The moment we put money and things before people is the moment Black Friday turns ugly. People are more important than things. The latest toys and electronic devices will become outdated; the latest fashion will become last year’s style.

Whether or not you have fun on Black Friday boils down to your intention and attitude while engaging in Black Friday sales. No matter how chaotic the stores are or how amazing the sales, we should never stop treating people with civility and respect. Don’t be that person shoving strangers aside to get that smartphone. Instead, choose to be kind. Treat people with the respect they deserve. Objects don’t have feelings, but people do.