I would usually agree shopping and hunting etc are not an excuse. However, during this day and week it is.
The only reason I won't be hunting with family this year, as is the tradition, is I don't have my license and everything ready as I was expecting to be working but got out of my notice early. It is the biggest shopping day of the year and people love to shop. This is too a tradition among many women in families, just as hunting is in men.
These are valid reasons to miss a badly scheduled football game. Friday at 7pm, much better. I am binging all I can but I will not forsake anyone for spending time with their families partaking in family traditions. One thing I have learned over the past year moving away for work jut seeing dollar signs, is that family comes first. Its the only thing that matters at the end of this life for us. Those are he only people going to be standing by your bed holding your hand as you pass away, not Marshall, not Bob pruett or the team. So yes, family during this week, is a valid excuse.