Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 29 (click to see context) from:
* '''Christmas Dinner:''' Because UsefulNotes/ThanksgivingDay is the big "feast" holiday in the US, this is not as big an event as the UK's Christmas lunch equivalent. Still, a nice spread for the extended family is always appreciated. While Thanksgiving dinner is more-or-less the same for everyone in the US, Christmas dinner varies by family. Turkey is still a popular choice since it's a big bird that can feed dozens, but many families will defer to the traditional Christmas meal of their culture. Examples include African-Americans eating ham, collard greens, and sweet potatoes; Italians observing the Feast of the Seven Fishes (it used to be twelve, one for each Apostle; nobody's quite sure when or why it went down to seven); and Chinese families eating out, meaning Chinese restaurants are often the only ones open for Christmas Day (see PekingDuckChristmas).
to:
* '''Christmas Dinner:''' Because UsefulNotes/ThanksgivingDay is the big "feast" holiday in the US, this is not as big an event as the UK's Christmas lunch equivalent. Still, a nice spread for the extended family is always appreciated. While Thanksgiving dinner is more-or-less the same for everyone in the US, Christmas dinner varies by family. Turkey is still a popular choice since it's a big bird that can feed dozens, a dozen or so, but many families will defer to the traditional Christmas meal of their culture. Examples include African-Americans eating ham, collard greens, and sweet potatoes; Italians observing the Feast of the Seven Fishes (it used to be twelve, one for each Apostle; nobody's quite sure when or why it went down to seven); and Chinese families eating out, meaning Chinese restaurants are often the only ones open for Christmas Day (see PekingDuckChristmas).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 19 (click to see context) from:
Regardless, retail workers and other employees are more likely to regard it as a black day, a day to dread -- and indeed, "black" often [[DarkIsEvil does suit the day]]. These sales are SeriousBusiness to many, to the point that fights have broken out at them -- there have even been occasional ''[[http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/ deaths]]'' since 2008, including an incident wherein anxious shoppers stampeded into a store the moment it opened, knocking down and ''fatally'' trampling the hapless employee who opened the doors. Even when people don't get killed, physical assault is not uncommon (a notorious 2011 incident in California had a shopper unleashing pepper spray on her rivals). Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of Black Friday is the fact that while it ''started'' as a gift-shopping day, its steep sales mean that most people in recent years aren't even buying gifts for their loved ones, but things for ''themselves'', taking advantage of the markdowns on big-ticket items like TVs.\\
to:
Regardless, retail workers and other employees are more likely to regard it as a black day, a day to dread -- and indeed, "black" often [[DarkIsEvil does suit the day]]. These sales are SeriousBusiness to many, to the point that fights have broken out at them -- there have even been occasional ''[[http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/ deaths]]'' since 2008, including an incident wherein anxious shoppers stampeded into a store the moment it opened, knocking down and ''fatally'' trampling the hapless employee who opened the doors. Even when people don't get killed, physical assault is not uncommon (a notorious 2011 incident in California had a shopper unleashing pepper spray on her rivals). Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of Black Friday is the fact that while it ''started'' as a gift-shopping day, its steep sales mean that most people in recent years aren't even buying gifts for their loved ones, but things for ''themselves'', taking advantage of the markdowns on big-ticket items like TVs.[=TVs=].\\
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 66 (click to see context) from:
* '''[[DreamingOfAWhiteChristmas Snow]]:''' Your chances of enjoying a white Christmas (along with such activities as sledding, snowball fights, and building snowmen) are largely dependent on where you happen to be. White Christmases are somewhat common in the northern states, though it varies even within each state. In the Rocky Mountains, Upper Midwest, and New England, most likely it's already been snowing for over a month, so enjoy some Christmas skiing, sledding, or what have you. On the other hand, snow and freezing temperatures aren't supposed to happen in the southern states, and when it does, it's a freaking ''event'' (and occasionally a cause of weather-related panic). And of course, if you're in Hawaii, your "Mele Kalikimaka" will have exactly 0% chance of snow, unless you go mountain climbing for Christmas.
to:
* '''[[DreamingOfAWhiteChristmas Snow]]:''' Your chances of enjoying a white Christmas (along with such activities as sledding, snowball fights, and building snowmen) are largely dependent on where you happen to be. White Christmases are somewhat common in the northern states, though it varies even within each state. In the Rocky Mountains, Upper Midwest, and New England, most likely it's already been snowing for over a month, so enjoy some Christmas skiing, sledding, or what have you. On the other hand, snow and freezing temperatures aren't supposed to happen in the southern states, and when it does, they do, it's a freaking ''event'' (and occasionally a cause of weather-related panic). And of course, if you're in Hawaii, your "Mele Kalikimaka" will have exactly a 0% chance of snow, unless you go mountain climbing for Christmas.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 63 (click to see context) from:
** Some churches provide a large number of services on the days leading up to Christmas such as a celebration for Las Posadas, candlelight services, early Christmas services for people who will be traveling on the holiday, even Longest Night services (services held around the Winter Solstice services which basically manifest as All Souls Day Lite). because of the variety and intensity of Christmas services they put on, some churches may opt to not have services on Christmas Day at all.
to:
** Some churches provide a large number of services on the days leading up to Christmas such as a celebration for Las Posadas, candlelight services, early Christmas services for people who will be traveling on the holiday, even Longest Night services (services held around the Winter Solstice services which basically manifest as All Souls Day Lite). because Because of the variety and intensity of Christmas services they put on, some churches may opt to not have services on Christmas Day at all.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 63 (click to see context) from:
** Some churches provide a wide range of large number of services on the days leading up to Christmas such as a celebration for Las Posadas, candlelight services, early Christmas services for people who will be traveling on the holiday, even Longest Night services (services held around the Winter Solstice services which basically manifest as All Souls Day Lite). because of the variety and intensity of Christmas services they put on, some churches may opt to not have services on Christmas Day at all.
to:
** Some churches provide a wide range of large number of services on the days leading up to Christmas such as a celebration for Las Posadas, candlelight services, early Christmas services for people who will be traveling on the holiday, even Longest Night services (services held around the Winter Solstice services which basically manifest as All Souls Day Lite). because of the variety and intensity of Christmas services they put on, some churches may opt to not have services on Christmas Day at all.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 51 (click to see context) from:
* '''Sports:''' Since the basketball season runs through winter due to being played indoors, it's traditional for the National Basketball Association to schedule at least three games on Christmas Day, which are broadcast on Creator/{{ABC}} or Creator/{{ESPN}}. Some teams have their own tradition of hosting games every year; for the occasion, one team participating in each such game typically wears green while other wears red.
to:
* '''Sports:''' Since the basketball season runs through winter due to being played indoors, it's traditional for the National Basketball Association to schedule at least three games on Christmas Day, which are broadcast on Creator/{{ABC}} or Creator/{{ESPN}}. Some teams have their own tradition of hosting games every year; for the occasion, one team participating in each such game typically wears green while the other wears red.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 51 (click to see context) from:
* '''Sports:''' Since the basketball season runs through winter due to being played indoors, it's traditional for the National Basketball Association to schedule at least three games on Christmas Day, which are broadcast on Creator/{{ABC}} or Creator/{{ESPN}}. Some teams have their own tradition of hosting game every year; for the occasion, one team participating in each such game typically wears green while other wears red.
to:
* '''Sports:''' Since the basketball season runs through winter due to being played indoors, it's traditional for the National Basketball Association to schedule at least three games on Christmas Day, which are broadcast on Creator/{{ABC}} or Creator/{{ESPN}}. Some teams have their own tradition of hosting game games every year; for the occasion, one team participating in each such game typically wears green while other wears red.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 37 (click to see context) from:
** Christmas Day itself is a busy day at movie theaters, so several big-ticket releases usually open on the day or in time to hopefully cash in. Christmas-''themed'' movies usually open in November, because if one of them hits big it can run for weeks on end. (Of course, due to its theme, it won't get a home release until a full year later, while most movies make it to DVD, etc. in four months in TheNewTens.) The final two months of the year are traditionally flush with big-ticket family films and OscarBait, the latter because Academy rules require a film to have exhibited in a Los Angeles County theater for one week in the calendar year that is being submitted for, and as Christmas Day is a week before New Year's Day, several films run there and in New York that week before expanding in the new year.
to:
** Christmas Day itself is a busy day at movie theaters, so several big-ticket releases usually open on the day or in time to hopefully cash in. Christmas-''themed'' movies usually open in November, because if one of them hits big it can run for weeks on end. (Of course, due to its theme, it won't get a home release until a full year later, while most movies make it to DVD, etc. in four months in TheNewTens.) The final two months of the year are traditionally flush with big-ticket family films and OscarBait, the latter because Academy rules require a film to have exhibited in a Los Angeles County theater for one week in the calendar year that it is being submitted for, and as Christmas Day is a week before New Year's Day, several films run there and in New York that week before expanding in the new year.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 19 (click to see context) from:
Regardless, retail workers and other employees are more likely to regard it as a black day, a day to dread -- and indeed, "black" often [[DarkIsEvil does suit the day]]. These sales are SeriousBusiness to many, to the point that fights have broken out at them -- there have even been occasional ''[[http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/ deaths]]'' since 2008, including an incident wherein anxious shoppers stampeded into a store the moment it opened, knocking down and ''fatally trampling'' the hapless employee who opened the doors. Even when people don't get killed, physical assault is not uncommon (a notorious 2011 incident in California had a shopper unleashing ''pepper spray'' on her rivals). Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of Black Friday is the fact that while it ''started'' as a gift-shopping day, its steep sales mean that most people in recent years aren't even buying gifts for their loved ones, but things for ''themselves'', taking advantage of the markdowns on big-ticket items like TV's.\\
to:
Regardless, retail workers and other employees are more likely to regard it as a black day, a day to dread -- and indeed, "black" often [[DarkIsEvil does suit the day]]. These sales are SeriousBusiness to many, to the point that fights have broken out at them -- there have even been occasional ''[[http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/ deaths]]'' since 2008, including an incident wherein anxious shoppers stampeded into a store the moment it opened, knocking down and ''fatally trampling'' ''fatally'' trampling the hapless employee who opened the doors. Even when people don't get killed, physical assault is not uncommon (a notorious 2011 incident in California had a shopper unleashing ''pepper spray'' pepper spray on her rivals). Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of Black Friday is the fact that while it ''started'' as a gift-shopping day, its steep sales mean that most people in recent years aren't even buying gifts for their loved ones, but things for ''themselves'', taking advantage of the markdowns on big-ticket items like TV's.TVs.\\
Changed line(s) 30 (click to see context) from:
* '''{{Christmas Special}}s:''' While the UK's Christmas TV specials are usually special episodes of regular programs, the phrase refers to original, stand-alone shows in the US. Each year brings along a new batch of such shows, ranging from VarietyShow specials starring a popular celebrity (usually a musician) to animated shows. The most popular of the latter -- ''WesternAnimation/HowTheGrinchStoleChristmas'', the various Creator/RankinBassProductions specials, and ''WesternAnimation/ACharlieBrownChristmas'' -- have been repeated annually by the big broadcast networks for '''decades''' now. Variety specials are usually one-offs, but performers as varied as Andy Williams, Creator/BobHope, Music/JohnnyCash, and even Kathie Lee Gifford toplined new ones annually for varying stretches of time. Meanwhile many regular scripted shows, especially sitcoms and cartoons, will do a ChristmasEpisode of their own. (See ItsAWonderfulPlot, YetAnotherChristmasCarol, MallSanta, and HowTheCharacterStoleChristmas for the most popular stock plots.) Since 1996 -- going back to its days as The Family Channel -- basic cable channel Freeform has offered up a "25 Days of Christmas" promotion in December (plus a "Countdown to..." forerunner starting at the end of November), which gives prime time and weekends over to classic B and sometimes A-list animated specials, marathons of old Disney and Pixar films, and plenty of popular...
to:
* '''{{Christmas Special}}s:''' While the UK's Christmas TV specials are usually special episodes of regular programs, the phrase refers to original, stand-alone shows in the US. Each year brings along a new batch of such shows, ranging from VarietyShow specials starring a popular celebrity (usually a musician) to animated shows. The most popular Of the latter, ''WesternAnimation/HowTheGrinchStoleChristmas'' and some of the latter -- ''WesternAnimation/HowTheGrinchStoleChristmas'', the various Creator/RankinBassProductions specials, and ''WesternAnimation/ACharlieBrownChristmas'' -- specials have been repeated annually by the big broadcast networks for '''decades''' now.five-plus decades. Variety specials are usually one-offs, but performers as varied as Andy Williams, Creator/BobHope, Music/JohnnyCash, and even Kathie Lee Gifford toplined new ones annually for varying stretches of time. Meanwhile many regular scripted shows, especially sitcoms and cartoons, will do a ChristmasEpisode of their own. (See ItsAWonderfulPlot, YetAnotherChristmasCarol, MallSanta, and HowTheCharacterStoleChristmas for the most popular stock plots.) Since 1996 -- going back to its days as The Family Channel -- basic cable channel Freeform has offered up a "25 Days of Christmas" promotion in December (plus a "Countdown to..." forerunner starting at the end of November), which gives prime time and weekends over to classic B and sometimes A-list animated specials, marathons of old Disney and Pixar films, and plenty of popular...
Changed line(s) 32,33 (click to see context) from:
** Lifetime takes a break from its [[LifetimeMovieOfTheWeek usual formula]] and produces their own Christmas films each year; they've been at it long enough that prime time and weekends feature reruns and newbies starting in November. The Hallmark Channel goes '''much''' further -- giving over almost its entire 24/7 schedule (plus the entire schedule of its spinoff Hallmark Movies and Mysteries) to original Christmas movies starting a few days before Halloween! Most of these are warm and fuzzy StrictlyFormula fare in a seasonal setting -- a lovable dog brings a family together, a RomanticComedy or drama, permutations of SavingChristmas -- sometimes adapting a pre-existing property ("The Christmas Shoes" song, the Grumpy Cat meme, etc.). They tend to be a rich snark magnet and {{Glurge}}, but in TheNewTens have proven so wildly popular that Hallmark Channel broke its previous record in 2018 by producing 37 new films for it and its spinoff channel. Other channels/streaming services getting in on the act include Netflix and Up.
** Most other channels prefer theatrical Christmas movies. TBS and TNT has famously run a 24-hour marathon of ''Film/AChristmasStory'' over Christmas Eve and Day since 1997. (FX tried this same thing one year...with the movie ''Film/JingleAllTheWay'', hence the "one year".) ''Scrooged'' and other movies based off ''Literature/AChristmasCarol'', ''Film/NationalLampoonsChristmasVacation'', ''Film/{{Elf}}'', ''Film/MiracleOnThirtyFourthStreet'' (usually the 1947 original), ''Film/HomeAlone'', and ''Film/WhiteChristmas'' are also staples. Again, everybody wants in on this act -- Creator/{{AMC}} launched a rival promotion ("Best Christmas Ever") to Freeform's "25 Days of Christmas" in 2018, scheduling '''600+ hours''' of themed programming including a cross-section of films and specials that Freeform once held the rights to.
** Most other channels prefer theatrical Christmas movies. TBS and TNT has famously run a 24-hour marathon of ''Film/AChristmasStory'' over Christmas Eve and Day since 1997. (FX tried this same thing one year...with the movie ''Film/JingleAllTheWay'', hence the "one year".) ''Scrooged'' and other movies based off ''Literature/AChristmasCarol'', ''Film/NationalLampoonsChristmasVacation'', ''Film/{{Elf}}'', ''Film/MiracleOnThirtyFourthStreet'' (usually the 1947 original), ''Film/HomeAlone'', and ''Film/WhiteChristmas'' are also staples. Again, everybody wants in on this act -- Creator/{{AMC}} launched a rival promotion ("Best Christmas Ever") to Freeform's "25 Days of Christmas" in 2018, scheduling '''600+ hours''' of themed programming including a cross-section of films and specials that Freeform once held the rights to.
to:
** Lifetime takes a break from its [[LifetimeMovieOfTheWeek usual formula]] and produces their own Christmas films each year; they've been at it long enough that prime time and weekends feature reruns and newbies starting in November. The Hallmark Channel goes '''much''' further -- giving over almost its entire 24/7 schedule (plus the entire schedule of its spinoff Hallmark Movies and Mysteries) to original Christmas movies starting a few days before Halloween! Most of these are warm and fuzzy StrictlyFormula fare in a seasonal setting -- a lovable dog brings a family together, a RomanticComedy or drama, permutations of SavingChristmas -- sometimes adapting a pre-existing property ("The Christmas Shoes" song, the Grumpy Cat meme, etc.). They tend to be a rich snark magnet and {{Glurge}}, but in TheNewTens have proven so wildly popular that Hallmark Channel broke its previous record in 2018 by producing 37 regularly produces upwards of 40 new films for it and its spinoff channel. channel yearly. Other channels/streaming channels and streaming services getting in on the act include Netflix Netflix, Up, and Up.
Great American Family.
**Most other Other channels prefer theatrical Christmas movies. TBS and TNT has have famously run a 24-hour marathon of ''Film/AChristmasStory'' over Christmas Eve and Day since 1997. (FX tried (Futile attempts by other channels to duplicate this same thing one year...with the movie ''Film/JingleAllTheWay'', hence the "one year".success used films as varied as ''Film/HomeAlone'', ''Film/MiracleOnThirtyFourthStreet'', and even ''Film/JingleAllTheWay''.) ''Scrooged'' and other movies based off adaptations of ''Literature/AChristmasCarol'', ''Film/NationalLampoonsChristmasVacation'', ''Film/{{Elf}}'', ''Film/MiracleOnThirtyFourthStreet'' (usually the 1947 original), ''Film/HomeAlone'', original, but sometimes the 1994 remake), ''Film/HomeAlone'' and its sequels, and ''Film/WhiteChristmas'' are also staples. Again, everybody Everybody wants in on this act -- Creator/{{AMC}} launched a rival promotion ("Best Christmas Ever") to Freeform's "25 Days of Christmas" in 2018, scheduling '''600+ hours''' of themed programming including a cross-section of films and specials that Freeform once held the rights to.
**
Changed line(s) 35,37 (click to see context) from:
** Back in the 1970s, ''Film/ItsAWonderfulLife'' became VindicatedByHistory when it was virtually public domain and seemingly every TV channel in the country ran it as inexpensive holiday-themed programming. Nowadays, only Creator/{{NBC}} and its sister networks run it, and then only a handful of times.
** Non-seasonal but widely-enjoyed films frequently programmed as neutral alternatives (often via MarathonRunning) include ''Film/TheWizardOfOz'', ''Film/TheSoundOfMusic'', ''Film/ETTheExtraTerrestrial'', ''Franchise/StarWars'', Franchise/IndianaJones, Franchise/HarryPotter, ''Franchise/BackToTheFuture'', ''Film/JurassicPark'', Franchise/JamesBond, the ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'', and Disney and/or Pixar animated features (though the ''Franchise/{{Frozen}}'' and ''Franchise/ToyStory'' films are particularly popular because of their wintry and toy/gift themes, respectively).
** Christmas Day itself is a busy day at movie theaters, so several big-ticket releases usually open on the day or in time to hopefully cash in. Christmas-''themed'' movies usually open in November, because if one of them hits big it can run for weeks on end. (Of course, due to its theme, it won't get a home release until a full year later, while most movies make it to DVD, etc. in four months in TheNewTens.) The final two months of the year are traditionally flush with big-ticket family films and OscarBait. (Academy rules require a film to have exhibited in a Los Angeles County theater for one week in the calendar year that is being submitted for, and as Christmas Day is a week before New Year's Day, several films run there and in New York that week before expanding in the new year.)
** Non-seasonal but widely-enjoyed films frequently programmed as neutral alternatives (often via MarathonRunning) include ''Film/TheWizardOfOz'', ''Film/TheSoundOfMusic'', ''Film/ETTheExtraTerrestrial'', ''Franchise/StarWars'', Franchise/IndianaJones, Franchise/HarryPotter, ''Franchise/BackToTheFuture'', ''Film/JurassicPark'', Franchise/JamesBond, the ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'', and Disney and/or Pixar animated features (though the ''Franchise/{{Frozen}}'' and ''Franchise/ToyStory'' films are particularly popular because of their wintry and toy/gift themes, respectively).
** Christmas Day itself is a busy day at movie theaters, so several big-ticket releases usually open on the day or in time to hopefully cash in. Christmas-''themed'' movies usually open in November, because if one of them hits big it can run for weeks on end. (Of course, due to its theme, it won't get a home release until a full year later, while most movies make it to DVD, etc. in four months in TheNewTens.) The final two months of the year are traditionally flush with big-ticket family films and OscarBait. (Academy rules require a film to have exhibited in a Los Angeles County theater for one week in the calendar year that is being submitted for, and as Christmas Day is a week before New Year's Day, several films run there and in New York that week before expanding in the new year.)
to:
** Back in the 1970s, ''Film/ItsAWonderfulLife'' became VindicatedByHistory when it was virtually public domain and seemingly every TV channel in the country ran it it, often more than once, as inexpensive holiday-themed programming. Nowadays, only Creator/{{NBC}} and its sister networks run it, and then only it a handful of times.
** Non-seasonal butwidely-enjoyed popular films frequently programmed as neutral neutral, multi-generational alternatives (often via MarathonRunning) include ''Film/TheWizardOfOz'', ''Film/TheSoundOfMusic'', ''Film/ETTheExtraTerrestrial'', ''Franchise/StarWars'', Franchise/IndianaJones, Franchise/HarryPotter, ''Franchise/BackToTheFuture'', ''Film/JurassicPark'', Franchise/JamesBond, the ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'', and Disney and/or Pixar animated features (though the (the ''Franchise/{{Frozen}}'' and ''Franchise/ToyStory'' films are particularly popular because of their wintry and toy/gift themes, respectively).
** Christmas Day itself is a busy day at movie theaters, so several big-ticket releases usually open on the day or in time to hopefully cash in. Christmas-''themed'' movies usually open in November, because if one of them hits big it can run for weeks on end. (Of course, due to its theme, it won't get a home release until a full year later, while most movies make it to DVD, etc. in four months in TheNewTens.) The final two months of the year are traditionally flush with big-ticket family films andOscarBait. (Academy OscarBait, the latter because Academy rules require a film to have exhibited in a Los Angeles County theater for one week in the calendar year that is being submitted for, and as Christmas Day is a week before New Year's Day, several films run there and in New York that week before expanding in the new year.)
** Non-seasonal but
** Christmas Day itself is a busy day at movie theaters, so several big-ticket releases usually open on the day or in time to hopefully cash in. Christmas-''themed'' movies usually open in November, because if one of them hits big it can run for weeks on end. (Of course, due to its theme, it won't get a home release until a full year later, while most movies make it to DVD, etc. in four months in TheNewTens.) The final two months of the year are traditionally flush with big-ticket family films and
Changed line(s) 40 (click to see context) from:
** Ballet companies big and small usually mount a production of the [[CashCowFranchise much-loved]], Christmas-set ballet ''Theatre/TheNutcracker''. In larger cities like New York City and Chicago, there are several large-scale productions to choose from.
to:
** Ballet companies big and small usually mount a production of the [[CashCowFranchise much-loved]], Christmas-set ballet ''Theatre/TheNutcracker''. In larger cities like New York City and Chicago, Chicago there are several large-scale productions to choose from.from, some traditional, some revisionist.
Changed line(s) 43,44 (click to see context) from:
** Since the TurnOfTheMillennium, stage adaptations of favorite holiday movies/specials -- ''Film/ItsAWonderfulLife'', ''Film/AChristmasStory'', ''WesternAnimation/HowTheGrinchStoleChristmas'', ''{{Film/Elf}}'', ''Film/WhiteChristmas'', and ''WesternAnimation/RudolphTheRedNosedReindeer'' among them -- have cropped up in professional and amateur stagings. These are usually TheMusical to boot, even if the source material was not.
** Stage adaptations of Disney films, mostly entries in the Franchise/DisneyAnimatedCanon, appear on the amateur and professional levels year-round but seem especially popular at Christmastime despite not being seasonally-themed. These shows are as close as Americans get to the U.K. tradition of {{Pantomime}}, albeit with far less intentional {{Camp}} and no AudienceParticipation.
** Stage adaptations of Disney films, mostly entries in the Franchise/DisneyAnimatedCanon, appear on the amateur and professional levels year-round but seem especially popular at Christmastime despite not being seasonally-themed. These shows are as close as Americans get to the U.K. tradition of {{Pantomime}}, albeit with far less intentional {{Camp}} and no AudienceParticipation.
to:
** Since the TurnOfTheMillennium, stage adaptations of favorite holiday movies/specials -- ''Film/ItsAWonderfulLife'', ''Film/AChristmasStory'', ''WesternAnimation/HowTheGrinchStoleChristmas'', ''{{Film/Elf}}'', ''Film/WhiteChristmas'', and ''WesternAnimation/RudolphTheRedNosedReindeer'' among them -- have cropped up in professional and amateur stagings. These are usually TheMusical to boot, TheMusical, even if the source material was not.
**Stage The professional stage adaptations of Disney films, mostly entries in the Franchise/DisneyAnimatedCanon, films appear on the amateur and professional levels year-round but seem especially popular at Christmastime despite not being seasonally-themed. These shows are as close as Americans get to the U.K. tradition of {{Pantomime}}, albeit with far less intentional {{Camp}} and no AudienceParticipation.
**
Changed line(s) 54 (click to see context) from:
* Because it's a huge country, Christmas traditions often vary dramatically from city to city, region to region.
to:
* Because it's a huge country, Christmas traditions often vary dramatically from city to city, city and region to region.
Changed line(s) 57,58 (click to see context) from:
** ''Christmas in UsefulNotes/LosAngeles'' borrows more from Mexican traditions. The poinsettia, a leafy red plant native to Mexico City, can be found everywhere, even lining the walls in local newscasts. It's not uncommon for people to make special trips to Olvera Street, the old Mexican quarter of Downtown Los Angeles. Watch for ''posadas'', a sort of hybrid between street theater and caroling, that's supposed to reenact Joseph and Mary's search for an inn. As with other denizens of warm climates (and [[UsefulNotes/ChristmasInAustralia Australia]], where it's summer in December), Angelenos are not too fussed that the idea of the "traditional" wintry Christmas doesn't match their experience -- it simply isn't considered that important.
*** However, perhaps the defining Christmas tradition is the practice of buying confetti eggs– [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin eggshells filled with confetti]]– and sneaking up to smash them on each other's heads.
*** However, perhaps the defining Christmas tradition is the practice of buying confetti eggs– [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin eggshells filled with confetti]]– and sneaking up to smash them on each other's heads.
to:
** ''Christmas in UsefulNotes/LosAngeles'' borrows more from Mexican traditions. The poinsettia, a leafy red plant native to Mexico City, can be found everywhere, even lining the walls in local newscasts. It's not uncommon for people to make special trips to Olvera Street, the old Mexican quarter of Downtown Los Angeles. Watch for ''posadas'', a sort of hybrid between street theater and caroling, that's supposed to reenact Joseph and Mary's search for an inn. As with other denizens of warm climates (and [[UsefulNotes/ChristmasInAustralia Australia]], where it's summer in December), Angelenos are not too fussed that the idea of the "traditional" wintry Christmas doesn't match their experience -- it simply isn't considered that important.
*** However, perhapsimportant. Perhaps the defining Christmas tradition is the practice of buying confetti eggs– [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin eggshells filled with confetti]]– and sneaking up to smash them on each other's heads.
*** However, perhaps
Changed line(s) 60 (click to see context) from:
** ''Christmas in UsefulNotes/{{Chicago}}'' is its own beast. It usually starts with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, where WesternAnimation/MickeyMouse himself comes to town and the lights along North Michigan Avenue (location of all the topflight shops) are lit. There's also the Christkindlmarket In Daley Plaza, a recreation of a German Christmas Market. Just like Rockefeller Center, Daley Plaza gets its own tree and it is also lit. Another annual tradition is the Marshall Field's store on State Street's (don't call it Macy's, Chicagoans are ''not'' happy with that name change) window displays, which usually depict a classic Christmas story in sequence. Thanks to the Midwestern climate and Lake Michigan, you're more likely to get a classic "White Christmas" in Chicago than New York, D.C., or L.A.
to:
** ''Christmas in UsefulNotes/{{Chicago}}'' is its own beast. It usually starts with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, where WesternAnimation/MickeyMouse himself comes to town and the lights along North Michigan Avenue (location of all the topflight shops) are lit. There's also the Christkindlmarket In Daley Plaza, a recreation of a German Christmas Market. Just like Rockefeller Center, Daley Plaza gets its own tree and it is also lit.lit tree. Another annual tradition is the Marshall Field's store on State Street's (don't call it Macy's, Chicagoans are ''not'' happy with that name change) window displays, which usually depict a classic Christmas story in sequence. Thanks to the Midwestern climate and Lake Michigan, you're more likely to get a classic "White Christmas" in Chicago than New York, D.C., or L.A.
Changed line(s) 66,67 (click to see context) from:
* '''Amusement/Theme Parks:''' If located in a climate that allows for year-round operation, they will play up the season as much as possible. The American Ride/DisneyThemeParks and their rivals such as Universal enjoy their biggest crowds this time of year, and are famous for their special decorations, parades (the one at Walt Disney World is pre-taped, beefed up with pop musicians, and televised Christmas Day), fireworks, and shows. Even ''rides'' can be altered for the season; Disneyland has a Haunted Mansion overlay themed to ''WesternAnimation/TheNightmareBeforeChristmas'', for instance. Some parks in colder climes open up without rides, but lots of Christmas light displays.
** In a related development, some U.S. towns and cities have standalone festivals centered on light displays which become regional tourist attractions for the season.
** In a related development, some U.S. towns and cities have standalone festivals centered on light displays which become regional tourist attractions for the season.
to:
* '''Amusement/Theme Parks:''' If located in a climate that allows for year-round operation, they will play up the season as much as possible. The American Ride/DisneyThemeParks and their rivals such as Universal enjoy their biggest crowds this time of year, and are famous for their special decorations, parades (the one at Walt Disney World is pre-taped, beefed up with pop musicians, and televised Christmas Day), fireworks, and shows. Even ''rides'' can be are altered for the season; Disneyland has a Haunted Mansion overlay themed to ''WesternAnimation/TheNightmareBeforeChristmas'', for instance. Some parks in colder climes open up without rides, but lots of Christmas light displays. \n** In (In a related development, some U.S. towns and cities have standalone festivals centered on light displays which become serve as regional tourist attractions for the season.attractions.)
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 15 (click to see context) from:
* '''ChristmasCreep:''' While the semi-official start of the American Christmas season is the day after UsefulNotes/{{Thanksgiving}} (the fourth Thursday in November), aka "Black Friday," festive merchandise starts appearing in stores as soon as the Halloween stuff is cleared away (sometimes even sooner). Many Americans get annoyed about Christmas decorations and displays going up before Thanksgiving, since "Christmas" lasts nearly a month anyway, but the practice is OlderThanTheyThink: that timetable has been the norm since at least UsefulNotes/TheEighties.
to:
* '''ChristmasCreep:''' While the semi-official start of the American Christmas season is the day after UsefulNotes/{{Thanksgiving}} (the fourth Thursday in November), aka "Black Friday," festive merchandise starts appearing in stores as soon as the Halloween stuff is cleared away (sometimes even sooner). Many Americans get annoyed about Christmas decorations and displays going up before Thanksgiving, since "Christmas" lasts nearly a month anyway, but the practice is OlderThanTheyThink: that timetable has been the norm since at least UsefulNotes/TheEighties. In fact, major department stores would mail out their annual Christmas catalog the week after Labor Day, when it's technically still ''summer''.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 60 (click to see context) from:
** ''Christmas in UsefulNotes/{{Chicago}}'' is its own beast. It usually starts with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, where MickeyMouse himself comes to town and the lights along North Michigan Avenue (location of all the topflight shops) are lit. There's also the Christkindlmarket In Daley Plaza, a recreation of a German Christmas Market. Just like Rockefeller Center, Daley Plaza gets its own tree and it is also lit. Another annual tradition is the Marshall Field's store on State Street's (don't call it Macy's, Chicagoans are ''not'' happy with that name change) window displays, which usually depict a classic Christmas story in sequence. Thanks to the Midwestern climate and Lake Michigan, you're more likely to get a classic "White Christmas" in Chicago than New York, D.C., or L.A.
to:
** ''Christmas in UsefulNotes/{{Chicago}}'' is its own beast. It usually starts with the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, where MickeyMouse WesternAnimation/MickeyMouse himself comes to town and the lights along North Michigan Avenue (location of all the topflight shops) are lit. There's also the Christkindlmarket In Daley Plaza, a recreation of a German Christmas Market. Just like Rockefeller Center, Daley Plaza gets its own tree and it is also lit. Another annual tradition is the Marshall Field's store on State Street's (don't call it Macy's, Chicagoans are ''not'' happy with that name change) window displays, which usually depict a classic Christmas story in sequence. Thanks to the Midwestern climate and Lake Michigan, you're more likely to get a classic "White Christmas" in Chicago than New York, D.C., or L.A.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 36 (click to see context) from:
** Non-seasonal but widely-enjoyed films frequently programmed as neutral alternatives (often via MarathonRunning) include ''Film/TheWizardOfOz'', ''Film/TheSoundOfMusic'', ''Film/ETTheExtraTerrestrial'', ''Franchise/StarWars'', Franchise/IndianaJones, Franchise/HarryPotter, ''Film/BackToTheFuture'', ''Film/JurassicPark'', Franchise/JamesBond, the ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'', and Disney and/or Pixar animated features (though the ''Franchise/{{Frozen}}'' and ''Franchise/ToyStory'' films are particularly popular because of their wintry and toy/gift themes, respectively).
to:
** Non-seasonal but widely-enjoyed films frequently programmed as neutral alternatives (often via MarathonRunning) include ''Film/TheWizardOfOz'', ''Film/TheSoundOfMusic'', ''Film/ETTheExtraTerrestrial'', ''Franchise/StarWars'', Franchise/IndianaJones, Franchise/HarryPotter, ''Film/BackToTheFuture'', ''Franchise/BackToTheFuture'', ''Film/JurassicPark'', Franchise/JamesBond, the ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'', and Disney and/or Pixar animated features (though the ''Franchise/{{Frozen}}'' and ''Franchise/ToyStory'' films are particularly popular because of their wintry and toy/gift themes, respectively).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 15 (click to see context) from:
* '''ChristmasCreep:''' While the semi-official start of the American Christmas season is the day after UsefulNotes/{{Thanksgiving}}, aka "Black Friday," the fourth Thursday in November, festive merchandise starts appearing in stores as soon as the Halloween stuff is cleared away (sometimes even sooner). Many Americans get annoyed about Christmas decorations and displays going up before Thanksgiving, since "Christmas" lasts nearly a month anyway, but the practice is OlderThanTheyThink: that timetable has been the norm since at least UsefulNotes/TheEighties.
to:
* '''ChristmasCreep:''' While the semi-official start of the American Christmas season is the day after UsefulNotes/{{Thanksgiving}}, UsefulNotes/{{Thanksgiving}} (the fourth Thursday in November), aka "Black Friday," the fourth Thursday in November, festive merchandise starts appearing in stores as soon as the Halloween stuff is cleared away (sometimes even sooner). Many Americans get annoyed about Christmas decorations and displays going up before Thanksgiving, since "Christmas" lasts nearly a month anyway, but the practice is OlderThanTheyThink: that timetable has been the norm since at least UsefulNotes/TheEighties.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 36 (click to see context) from:
** Non-seasonal but widely-enjoyed films frequently programmed as "neutral" alternatives (often via MarathonRunning) include ''Film/TheWizardOfOz'', ''Film/TheSoundOfMusic'', ''Film/ETTheExtraTerrestrial'', the ''Franchise/StarWars'', ''Franchise/IndianaJones'', and ''Franchise/HarryPotter'' sagas, the ''Film/BackToTheFuture'' trilogy, the original three ''Film/JurassicPark'' films, Franchise/JamesBond movies, superhero movies such as the Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse, and Disney and/or Pixar animated features (though the ''Franchise/{{Frozen}}'' and ''Franchise/ToyStory'' films are particularly popular because of their wintry and toy/gift themes, respectively).
to:
** Non-seasonal but widely-enjoyed films frequently programmed as "neutral" neutral alternatives (often via MarathonRunning) include ''Film/TheWizardOfOz'', ''Film/TheSoundOfMusic'', ''Film/ETTheExtraTerrestrial'', the ''Franchise/StarWars'', ''Franchise/IndianaJones'', and ''Franchise/HarryPotter'' sagas, Franchise/IndianaJones, Franchise/HarryPotter, ''Film/BackToTheFuture'', ''Film/JurassicPark'', Franchise/JamesBond, the ''Film/BackToTheFuture'' trilogy, the original three ''Film/JurassicPark'' films, Franchise/JamesBond movies, superhero movies such as the Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse, ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'', and Disney and/or Pixar animated features (though the ''Franchise/{{Frozen}}'' and ''Franchise/ToyStory'' films are particularly popular because of their wintry and toy/gift themes, respectively).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 20 (click to see context) from:
Interestingly, Black Friday underwent a sort of osmosis during the new tens, having been adopted by other countries around the world, even though that meant divorcing it from its "day after Thanksgiving" context since Thanksgiving is exclusively an American holiday[[note]]Not counting the Canadian version celebrated in October[[/note]]. Even Israel of all places has taken to Black Friday sales, where not only is there no Thanksgiving, but most of the people don't even celebrate Christmas.
to:
Interestingly, Black Friday underwent a sort of osmosis during the new tens, 2010's, having been adopted by other countries around the world, even though that meant divorcing it from its "day after Thanksgiving" context since Thanksgiving is exclusively an American holiday[[note]]Not holiday.[[note]]Not counting the Canadian version celebrated in October[[/note]]. October[[/note]] Even Israel of all places has taken to Black Friday sales, where not only is there no Thanksgiving, but most of the people don't populace doesn't even celebrate Christmas.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 15 (click to see context) from:
* '''ChristmasCreep:''' While the semi-official start of the American Christmas season is "Black Friday," aka the day after UsefulNotes/{{Thanksgiving}} (the fourth Thursday in November), festive merchandise starts appearing in stores as soon as the Halloween stuff is cleared away, sometimes even sooner. Many Americans get annoyed about Christmas decorations and displays going up before Thanksgiving, since "Christmas" lasts nearly a month anyway, but the practice is OlderThanTheyThink: that timetable has been the norm since at least UsefulNotes/TheEighties.
to:
* '''ChristmasCreep:''' While the semi-official start of the American Christmas season is the day after UsefulNotes/{{Thanksgiving}}, aka "Black Friday," aka the day after UsefulNotes/{{Thanksgiving}} (the fourth Thursday in November), November, festive merchandise starts appearing in stores as soon as the Halloween stuff is cleared away, sometimes away (sometimes even sooner.sooner). Many Americans get annoyed about Christmas decorations and displays going up before Thanksgiving, since "Christmas" lasts nearly a month anyway, but the practice is OlderThanTheyThink: that timetable has been the norm since at least UsefulNotes/TheEighties.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 38 (click to see context) from:
* '''[[ChristmasSongs Christmas Music]]:''' The UK phenomenon of the "Christmas Number One" single is not repeated in the US. Instead, many recording artists bring out at least one Christmas-themed ''album'' in their careers. The appeal of making a Christmas album is obvious: if you come up with a classic--say, "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Music/MariahCarey--you'll be raking in royalty checks for life. Some of the songs that play on the radio have been in the Christmas music rotation since ''TheForties'' and remain popular long after the artist's normal fare has been forgotten, such as "White Christmas" by Music/BingCrosby. Oddly enough, it's not a requirement for the artist to personally celebrate the holiday. Christmas albums from Music/BarbraStreisand (Jewish) and Music/TheJacksonFive (Jehovah's Witnesses) have been well-received regardless. In the past decade, it has become common for certain radio stations to switch to an all-Christmas music format right after Thanksgiving (and some even get started right after Halloween), not letting up until the end of Christmas Day or even New Year's. Depending on the station's usual audience, playlists range from traditional carols and hymns to popular tunes to a mix of the two. Another odd fact is that many songs associated with Christmas technically have nothing to do with the holiday, such as "[[Theatre/TheSoundOfMusic My Favorite Things]]," "The Marvelous Toy," or even "Jingle Bells," which is just a song about winter.
to:
* '''[[ChristmasSongs Christmas Music]]:''' The UK phenomenon of the "Christmas Number One" single is not repeated in the US. Instead, many recording artists bring out at least one Christmas-themed ''album'' in their careers. The appeal of making a Christmas album is obvious: if you come up with a classic--say, classic – say, "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Music/MariahCarey--you'll Music/MariahCarey – you'll be raking in royalty checks for life. Some of the songs that play on the radio have been in the Christmas music rotation since ''TheForties'' and remain popular long after the artist's normal fare has been forgotten, such as "White Christmas" by Music/BingCrosby. Oddly enough, it's not a requirement for the artist to personally celebrate the holiday. Christmas albums from Music/BarbraStreisand (Jewish) and Music/TheJacksonFive (Jehovah's Witnesses) have been well-received regardless. In the past decade, it has become common for certain radio stations to switch to an all-Christmas music format right after Thanksgiving (and some even get started right after Halloween), not letting up until the end of Christmas Day or even New Year's. Depending on the station's usual audience, playlists range from traditional carols and hymns to popular tunes to a mix of the two. Another odd fact is that many songs associated with Christmas technically have nothing to do with the holiday, such as "[[Theatre/TheSoundOfMusic My Favorite Things]]," "The Marvelous Toy," or even "Jingle Bells," which is just a song about winter.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 23 (click to see context) from:
** ''Cyber Monday:'' The first weekday following Black Friday, this day represents the official beginning of the online Christmas shopping season and corresponds with a spike in online sales--and likely a momentary drop in productivity--as workers shop online at their desks or on their phones. Retailers tend to offer price reductions and/or free shipping for that entire week. The name was coined in 2005, though it didn't become popular with the general public until TheNewTens when e-commerce truly took off. It's also seen as a way to avoid the crowds (and pepper spray) of Black Friday.
to:
** ''Cyber Monday:'' The first weekday following Black Friday, this day represents the official beginning of the online Christmas shopping season and corresponds with a spike in online sales--and sales – and likely a momentary drop in productivity--as productivity – as workers shop online at their desks or on their phones. Retailers tend to offer price reductions and/or free shipping for that entire week. The name was coined in 2005, though it didn't become popular with the general public until TheNewTens when e-commerce truly took off. It's also seen as a way to avoid the crowds (and pepper spray) of Black Friday.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 17,18 (click to see context) from:
** ''Black Friday:'' As noted above, Christmas retail formally launches on the day after Thanksgiving, making that Friday a flashpoint of holiday shopping. Stores usually open very early -- 5 a.m. was once common -- but in TheNewTens it became trendy to open on Thanksgiving Day itself, midnight or earlier. Black Friday (or 'Grey Thursday') sales attract shoppers by offering deep discounts on popular items, though of course there will not be enough stock for everyone. The result can be a real-life version of a RetailRiot -- a ZergRush of determined shoppers storming inside the stores to snag must-have items the minute the doors open, paying no heed to the safety of anyone in their way.\\
The term "Black Friday" originated in the 1950s in UsefulNotes/{{Philadelphia}} and UsefulNotes/{{Rochester}} as a term used by the police to describe the huge amount of traffic which accompanied the start of the holiday shopping season. As usage spread during the early 1980s, retailers tried to claim the term actually came from the expression "in the black" (to turn a profit; traditional accounting practices prescribed the use of black ink for gains and red ink for losses, hence "in the red") because it was the day when stores would start making money after operating at a loss for the rest of the year. Despite its origins as a PR spin, the second definition has become accepted. [[note]](A third origin story alleges that it came from the practice of selling slaves the day after Thanksgiving in the South before the Civil War, but that one was [[https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/black-friday-2/ debunked by Snopes.]])[[/note]]\\
The term "Black Friday" originated in the 1950s in UsefulNotes/{{Philadelphia}} and UsefulNotes/{{Rochester}} as a term used by the police to describe the huge amount of traffic which accompanied the start of the holiday shopping season. As usage spread during the early 1980s, retailers tried to claim the term actually came from the expression "in the black" (to turn a profit; traditional accounting practices prescribed the use of black ink for gains and red ink for losses, hence "in the red") because it was the day when stores would start making money after operating at a loss for the rest of the year. Despite its origins as a PR spin, the second definition has become accepted. [[note]](A third origin story alleges that it came from the practice of selling slaves the day after Thanksgiving in the South before the Civil War, but that one was [[https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/black-friday-2/ debunked by Snopes.]])[[/note]]\\
to:
** ''Black Friday:'' As noted above, Christmas retail formally launches on the day after Thanksgiving, making that Friday a flashpoint of holiday shopping. Stores usually open very early -- – 5 a.m. was once common -- – but in TheNewTens it became trendy to open on Thanksgiving Day itself, at midnight or earlier. Black Friday (or 'Grey Thursday') sales attract shoppers by offering deep discounts on popular items, though of course there will not be enough stock for everyone. The result can be a real-life version of a RetailRiot -- – a ZergRush of determined shoppers storming inside the stores to snag must-have items the minute the doors open, paying no heed to the safety of anyone in their way.\\
The term "Black Friday" originated in the 1950s in UsefulNotes/{{Philadelphia}} and UsefulNotes/{{Rochester}} as a term used by the police to describe the huge amount of traffic which accompanied the start of the holiday shopping season. As usage spread during the early 1980s, retailerstried began to claim the term actually came from the expression "in the black" (to turn a profit; traditional accounting practices prescribed the use of black ink for gains and red ink for losses, hence "in the red") red"), because it was the day when stores would start making money after operating at a loss for the rest of the year. Despite its origins as a PR spin, the this second definition has become accepted. widely accepted.[[note]](A third origin story alleges that it came from the practice of selling slaves the day after Thanksgiving in the South before the Civil War, but that one was [[https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/black-friday-2/ debunked by Snopes.]])[[/note]]\\
The term "Black Friday" originated in the 1950s in UsefulNotes/{{Philadelphia}} and UsefulNotes/{{Rochester}} as a term used by the police to describe the huge amount of traffic which accompanied the start of the holiday shopping season. As usage spread during the early 1980s, retailers
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 18 (click to see context) from:
The term "Black Friday" originated in the 1950s in Philadelphia and Rochester as a term used by the police to describe the huge amount of traffic which accompanied the start of the holiday shopping season. As usage spread during the early 1980s, retailers tried to claim the term actually came from the expression "in the black" (to turn a profit; traditional accounting practices prescribed the use of black ink for gains and red ink for losses, hence "in the red") because it was the day when stores would start making money after operating at a loss for the rest of the year. Despite its origins as a PR spin, the second definition has become accepted. [[note]](A third origin story alleges that it came from the practice of selling slaves the day after Thanksgiving in the South before the Civil War, but that one was [[https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/black-friday-2/ debunked by Snopes.]])[[/note]]\\
to:
The term "Black Friday" originated in the 1950s in Philadelphia UsefulNotes/{{Philadelphia}} and Rochester UsefulNotes/{{Rochester}} as a term used by the police to describe the huge amount of traffic which accompanied the start of the holiday shopping season. As usage spread during the early 1980s, retailers tried to claim the term actually came from the expression "in the black" (to turn a profit; traditional accounting practices prescribed the use of black ink for gains and red ink for losses, hence "in the red") because it was the day when stores would start making money after operating at a loss for the rest of the year. Despite its origins as a PR spin, the second definition has become accepted. [[note]](A third origin story alleges that it came from the practice of selling slaves the day after Thanksgiving in the South before the Civil War, but that one was [[https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/black-friday-2/ debunked by Snopes.]])[[/note]]\\
Changed line(s) 30 (click to see context) from:
* '''{{Christmas Special}}s:''' While the UK's Christmas TV specials are usually special episodes of regular programs, the phrase refers to original, stand-alone shows in the US. Each year brings along a new batch of such shows, ranging from VarietyShow specials starring a popular celebrity (usually a musician) to animated shows. The most popular of the latter -- ''WesternAnimation/HowTheGrinchStoleChristmas'', the various Creator/RankinBassProductions specials, and ''WesternAnimation/ACharlieBrownChristmas'' -- have been repeated annually by the big broadcast networks for '''decades''' now. Variety specials are usually one-offs, but performers as varied as Andy Williams, Creator/BobHope, Music/JohnnyCash, and even Kathie Lee Gifford toplined new ones annually for varying stretches of time. Meanwhile many regular scripted shows, especially sitcoms and cartoons, will do a ChristmasEpisode of their own. (See ItsAWonderfulPlot, YetAnotherChristmasCarol, MallSanta, and HowTheCharacterStoleChristmas for the most popular stock plots.) Since 1996 -- going back to its days as The Family Channel -- basic cable channel Freeform has offered up a "25 Days of Christmas" promotion in December (plus a "Countdown to..." forerunner starting at the end of November), which gives prime time and weekends over to classic B and sometimes A-list animated specials, marathons of Disney and Pixar films (and Franchise/HarryPotter films back when they held the rights to those), and plenty of popular...
to:
* '''{{Christmas Special}}s:''' While the UK's Christmas TV specials are usually special episodes of regular programs, the phrase refers to original, stand-alone shows in the US. Each year brings along a new batch of such shows, ranging from VarietyShow specials starring a popular celebrity (usually a musician) to animated shows. The most popular of the latter -- ''WesternAnimation/HowTheGrinchStoleChristmas'', the various Creator/RankinBassProductions specials, and ''WesternAnimation/ACharlieBrownChristmas'' -- have been repeated annually by the big broadcast networks for '''decades''' now. Variety specials are usually one-offs, but performers as varied as Andy Williams, Creator/BobHope, Music/JohnnyCash, and even Kathie Lee Gifford toplined new ones annually for varying stretches of time. Meanwhile many regular scripted shows, especially sitcoms and cartoons, will do a ChristmasEpisode of their own. (See ItsAWonderfulPlot, YetAnotherChristmasCarol, MallSanta, and HowTheCharacterStoleChristmas for the most popular stock plots.) Since 1996 -- going back to its days as The Family Channel -- basic cable channel Freeform has offered up a "25 Days of Christmas" promotion in December (plus a "Countdown to..." forerunner starting at the end of November), which gives prime time and weekends over to classic B and sometimes A-list animated specials, marathons of old Disney and Pixar films (and Franchise/HarryPotter films back when they held the rights to those), films, and plenty of popular...
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
** ''Giving Tuesday:'' Launched in 2012 as the charitable counterpart to the commercial sales of the previous weekend; this day sees churches and nonprofits request donations for good causes while people still have their wallets open.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 48 (click to see context) from:
* '''The "[[SeriousBusiness War on Christmas]]":''' Since the TurnOfTheMillennium, conservative political pundits have alleged that "secularists" are working to diminish the religious presence of Christmas in American culture. They cite the removal of religious displays on public land and the increased use of neutral terms like "Happy Holidays" and "Winter Break" instead of "Merry Christmas" and "Christmas Break" as proof that this war is succeeding. Some blame the overreach of "[[PoliticalCorrectnessIsEvil political correctness]]" for downplaying the holiday's religious elements; others speculate that it is part of a larger [[ConspiracyTheorist conspiracy]] to undermine Christianity itself. Those of a mind to agree can find evidence of the "War" in things as neutral as Starbucks cups. (There are even '''dramatic movies''' on this subject in TheNewTens, such as ''Film/LastOunceOfCourage'' and ''Film/ChristmasWithACapitalC''.) Those of a mind to ''disagre'' typically answer that America is officially neutral with regard to religion, and that its population holds a diverse range of religious beliefs. Mid-winter celebrations predate America ''and'' Christianity, and further, generalized expressions such as "Season's Greetings" are catch-all good wishes for the ''many'' seasonal events that fall between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. The adversarial tone of the phenomenon has deepened since the turn of TheNewTens as the organization American Atheists, led by David Silverman, have taken to [[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/12/01/here-is-this-years-provocative-war-on-christmas-billboard/ posting prominent billboards in Times Square]] and elsewhere encouraging the public to reject the religious elements of the season. The arguments generally cool down in the off season, but the embers remain hot until they can be revived the next year for a new round of pointless bickering.
to:
* '''The "[[SeriousBusiness War on Christmas]]":''' Since the TurnOfTheMillennium, conservative political pundits have alleged that "secularists" are working to diminish the religious presence of Christmas in American culture. They cite the removal of religious displays on public land and the increased use of neutral terms like "Happy Holidays" and "Winter Break" instead of "Merry Christmas" and "Christmas Break" as proof that this war is succeeding. Some blame the overreach of "[[PoliticalCorrectnessIsEvil political correctness]]" for downplaying the holiday's religious elements; others speculate that it is part of a larger [[ConspiracyTheorist conspiracy]] to undermine Christianity itself. Those of a mind to agree can find evidence of the "War" in things as neutral banal as Starbucks cups. coffee cups. (There are even '''dramatic movies''' on this subject in TheNewTens, such as ''Film/LastOunceOfCourage'' and ''Film/ChristmasWithACapitalC''.) Those of a mind to ''disagre'' ''disagree'' typically answer that America is officially neutral with regard to religion, and that its population holds a diverse range of religious beliefs. beliefs. Mid-winter celebrations predate America ''and'' Christianity, and further, generalized expressions such as "Season's Greetings" are catch-all good wishes for the ''many'' seasonal events that fall between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. The adversarial tone of the phenomenon has deepened since the turn of TheNewTens as the organization American Atheists, led by David Silverman, have taken to [[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/12/01/here-is-this-years-provocative-war-on-christmas-billboard/ posting prominent billboards in Times Square]] and elsewhere encouraging the public to reject the religious elements of the season. The arguments generally cool down in the off season, but the embers remain hot until they can be revived the next year for a new round of pointless bickering.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 48 (click to see context) from:
* '''The "[[SeriousBusiness War on Christmas]]":''' Since the TurnOfTheMillennium, conservative political pundits have coined the term "War on Christmas" for the alleged attempts by "secularists" to diminish the religious presence of Christmas in American culture. Aspects of this war include removing religious displays on public land and the increased use of terms such as "Happy Holidays" and "winter break" instead of "Merry Christmas" and "Christmas break." Pundits tend to blame either [[PoliticalCorrectnessIsEvil political correctness]], possibly countering the PC culture of the '90s which emphasized Christmas alternatives or downplaying the holiday's religious elements, or an actual [[ConspiracyTheorist conspiracy]] to undermine Christian expression. This riles up like-minded Americans, and any attempt to distance the season from its religious roots might become a rant-inducing slight. (There are '''dramatic movies''' on this subject in TheNewTens, such as ''Film/LastOunceOfCourage'' and ''Film/ChristmasWithACapitalC''.) Those accused of waging this "war" typically defend themselves by saying that America has a secular government and a diverse range of religious beliefs in its population, and also winter solstice celebrations predate Christianity. Further, generalized expressions such as "Season's Greetings" are catch-all good wishes suitable for every religious and secular holiday between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, making them appropriate for all Americans. Bringing up the "war" might therefore be a rant-inducing slight from this side of the fence as well. You're damned if you do, and damned if you don't. The adversarial tone of the phenomenon has deepened since the turn of TheNewTens as the organization American Atheists, led by David Silverman, have taken to [[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/12/01/here-is-this-years-provocative-war-on-christmas-billboard/ posting prominent billboards in Times Square]] and elsewhere encouraging the public to reject the religious elements of the season. The arguments generally cool down in the off season, but the embers remain hot until they can be revived the next year for a new round of pointless bickering.
to:
* '''The "[[SeriousBusiness War on Christmas]]":''' Since the TurnOfTheMillennium, conservative political pundits have coined the term "War on Christmas" for the alleged attempts by that "secularists" are working to diminish the religious presence of Christmas in American culture. Aspects They cite the removal of this war include removing religious displays on public land and the increased use of neutral terms such as like "Happy Holidays" and "winter break" "Winter Break" instead of "Merry Christmas" and "Christmas break." Pundits tend to Break" as proof that this war is succeeding. Some blame either [[PoliticalCorrectnessIsEvil the overreach of "[[PoliticalCorrectnessIsEvil political correctness]], possibly countering the PC culture of the '90s which emphasized Christmas alternatives or correctness]]" for downplaying the holiday's religious elements, or an actual elements; others speculate that it is part of a larger [[ConspiracyTheorist conspiracy]] to undermine Christian expression. This riles up like-minded Americans, and any attempt Christianity itself. Those of a mind to distance agree can find evidence of the season from its religious roots might become a rant-inducing slight. "War" in things as neutral as Starbucks cups. (There are even '''dramatic movies''' on this subject in TheNewTens, such as ''Film/LastOunceOfCourage'' and ''Film/ChristmasWithACapitalC''.) Those accused of waging this "war" a mind to ''disagre'' typically defend themselves by saying answer that America has a secular government is officially neutral with regard to religion, and that its population holds a diverse range of religious beliefs in its population, and also winter solstice beliefs. Mid-winter celebrations predate Christianity. Further, America ''and'' Christianity, and further, generalized expressions such as "Season's Greetings" are catch-all good wishes suitable for every religious and secular holiday the ''many'' seasonal events that fall between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, making them appropriate for all Americans. Bringing up the "war" might therefore be a rant-inducing slight from this side of the fence as well. You're damned if you do, and damned if you don't.Day. The adversarial tone of the phenomenon has deepened since the turn of TheNewTens as the organization American Atheists, led by David Silverman, have taken to [[https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2014/12/01/here-is-this-years-provocative-war-on-christmas-billboard/ posting prominent billboards in Times Square]] and elsewhere encouraging the public to reject the religious elements of the season. The arguments generally cool down in the off season, but the embers remain hot until they can be revived the next year for a new round of pointless bickering.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 18,19 (click to see context) from:
The "Black Friday" term originated in the 1950s in Philadelphia and Rochester as a term used by the police to describe the huge amount of traffic which accompanied the start of the holiday shopping season. As usage of the term spread during the early 1980s, retailers who wanted to put a positive spin on the term started to claim the term came from the expression "in the black" (to turn a profit; traditional accounting practices prescribed the use of black ink for gains and red ink for losses, hence "in the red") because it was the day when stores would start making money after operating at a loss for the rest of the year. Despite its origins as a PR spin, that second definition has become accepted by several. [[note]](A third origin story alleges that it came from the practice of selling slaves the day after Thanksgiving in the South before the Civil War, but that one was [[https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/black-friday-2/ debunked by Snopes.]])[[/note]]\\
Regardless, retail workers and other employees are more likely to regard it as a black day, a day to dread -- and indeed, "black" does describe the [[DarkIsEvil darker side of the day]]. These sales are SeriousBusiness to many people, to the point that fights have broken out at them -- there have even been occasional ''[[http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/ deaths]]'' since 2008, including an incident wherein anxious shoppers stampeded into a store the moment it opened, knocking down and ''fatally trampling'' the hapless employee who opened the doors. Even when people don't get killed, physical assault is not uncommon (a notorious 2011 incident in California had a shopper unleashing ''pepper spray'' on her rivals). Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of Black Friday is the fact that while it ''started'' as a gift-shopping day, its steep sales mean that most people in recent years aren't even buying gifts for their loved ones, but things for ''themselves'', taking advantage of the markdowns on big-ticket items like TV's.\\
Regardless, retail workers and other employees are more likely to regard it as a black day, a day to dread -- and indeed, "black" does describe the [[DarkIsEvil darker side of the day]]. These sales are SeriousBusiness to many people, to the point that fights have broken out at them -- there have even been occasional ''[[http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/ deaths]]'' since 2008, including an incident wherein anxious shoppers stampeded into a store the moment it opened, knocking down and ''fatally trampling'' the hapless employee who opened the doors. Even when people don't get killed, physical assault is not uncommon (a notorious 2011 incident in California had a shopper unleashing ''pepper spray'' on her rivals). Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of Black Friday is the fact that while it ''started'' as a gift-shopping day, its steep sales mean that most people in recent years aren't even buying gifts for their loved ones, but things for ''themselves'', taking advantage of the markdowns on big-ticket items like TV's.\\
to:
The term "Black Friday" term originated in the 1950s in Philadelphia and Rochester as a term used by the police to describe the huge amount of traffic which accompanied the start of the holiday shopping season. As usage of the term spread during the early 1980s, retailers who wanted to put a positive spin on the term started tried to claim the term actually came from the expression "in the black" (to turn a profit; traditional accounting practices prescribed the use of black ink for gains and red ink for losses, hence "in the red") because it was the day when stores would start making money after operating at a loss for the rest of the year. Despite its origins as a PR spin, that the second definition has become accepted by several.accepted. [[note]](A third origin story alleges that it came from the practice of selling slaves the day after Thanksgiving in the South before the Civil War, but that one was [[https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/black-friday-2/ debunked by Snopes.]])[[/note]]\\
Regardless, retail workers and other employees are more likely to regard it as a black day, a day to dread -- and indeed, "black"does describe the often [[DarkIsEvil darker side of does suit the day]]. These sales are SeriousBusiness to many people, many, to the point that fights have broken out at them -- there have even been occasional ''[[http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/ deaths]]'' since 2008, including an incident wherein anxious shoppers stampeded into a store the moment it opened, knocking down and ''fatally trampling'' the hapless employee who opened the doors. Even when people don't get killed, physical assault is not uncommon (a notorious 2011 incident in California had a shopper unleashing ''pepper spray'' on her rivals). Perhaps the most disheartening aspect of Black Friday is the fact that while it ''started'' as a gift-shopping day, its steep sales mean that most people in recent years aren't even buying gifts for their loved ones, but things for ''themselves'', taking advantage of the markdowns on big-ticket items like TV's.\\
Regardless, retail workers and other employees are more likely to regard it as a black day, a day to dread -- and indeed, "black"
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 15 (click to see context) from:
* '''ChristmasCreep:''' While the (semi)official start of the American Christmas season is "Black Friday," aka the day after UsefulNotes/{{Thanksgiving}} (which always falls on the fourth Thursday in November), festive merchandise usually starts appearing in stores as soon as the Halloween stuff is cleared away, while some items begin appearing even sooner. Many Americans get annoyed about Christmas decorations and displays going up ''before'' Thanksgiving, since "Christmas" lasts for practically a month already. However, the average complaint about Christmas promotions starting "earlier and earlier" each year is greatly exaggerated; the timetable described here has been happening since at least the 1980s.
to:
* '''ChristmasCreep:''' While the (semi)official semi-official start of the American Christmas season is "Black Friday," aka the day after UsefulNotes/{{Thanksgiving}} (which always falls on the (the fourth Thursday in November), festive merchandise usually starts appearing in stores as soon as the Halloween stuff is cleared away, while some items begin appearing sometimes even sooner. Many Americans get annoyed about Christmas decorations and displays going up ''before'' before Thanksgiving, since "Christmas" lasts for practically nearly a month already. However, anyway, but the average complaint about Christmas promotions starting "earlier and earlier" each year practice is greatly exaggerated; the OlderThanTheyThink: that timetable described here has been happening the norm since at least the 1980s.UsefulNotes/TheEighties.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 17 (click to see context) from:
** ''Black Friday:'' As noted above, Christmas sales formally launch the day after UsefulNotes/ThanksgivingDay, making that Friday a flashpoint of holiday shopping. Stores usually open very early -- 5 a.m. was once common -- but in TheNewTens it became trendy to open on Thanksgiving Day itself, midnight or earlier. Black Friday (or 'Grey Thursday') sales attract shoppers by offering deep discounts on popular items, though of course there will not be enough stock for everyone. The result can be a real-life version of a RetailRiot -- a ZergRush of determined shoppers storming inside the stores to snag must-have items the minute the doors open, paying no heed to the safety of anyone in their way.\\
to:
** ''Black Friday:'' As noted above, Christmas sales retail formally launch launches on the day after UsefulNotes/ThanksgivingDay, Thanksgiving, making that Friday a flashpoint of holiday shopping. Stores usually open very early -- 5 a.m. was once common -- but in TheNewTens it became trendy to open on Thanksgiving Day itself, midnight or earlier. Black Friday (or 'Grey Thursday') sales attract shoppers by offering deep discounts on popular items, though of course there will not be enough stock for everyone. The result can be a real-life version of a RetailRiot -- a ZergRush of determined shoppers storming inside the stores to snag must-have items the minute the doors open, paying no heed to the safety of anyone in their way.\\
