Thanksgiving is the official begining of the holiday shopping season. Originally, the real Thanksgiving was held about a week or two before what it is now, but was moved by the US Govt. to a date that would maxamize profits for business. They did this because, by studies, people generally started their Christmas shopping after Thanksgiving, but Thanksgiving was to early before and everyone got their stuff before the "demand" was created. High demand = high profits. When there is a huge demand, stores can charge more and still have people buy it. They say theres a 50% off Christmas sale!!! Its on things that people don't generally buy up, unlike the latest Pokemon or some stuff like that. Remember Tickle Me Elmo? Remember it being on sale? I dont. If anything it was way way above suggested retail, and they still sold out.
Well, to make a long story short, its all about money now, unfortunately... Cram an excess of shopping into a shorter ammount of time, and you have a genuine supply and demand problem! Charge More! Still sell the same!
Sorry to sound cynical, but if you want to look any of that up, you will find that the original date was moved, and it was for that reason.