Thanksgiving often gives Americans a week-long break to see friends, family and students the chance to catch up on possible homework and projects. However, after Thanksgiving comes a mass of consumer-centered holidays celebrated by a good percentage of America — Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and, of course, Cyber Monday.

Most Americans spend the third Thursday of November with family and friends. If anything, many students celebrate the week-long break from school responsibilities. However, in the days following, many Americans wake up the next day and potentially harm others (or their bank account) to get an item for a discounted price.

Even though Black Friday does provide discounts to families that might need a financial break or to purchase items they might have wanted or needed for quite some time, Black Friday is taken advantage of by others who might use this holiday as an excuse to buy things they might not need.

Small Business Saturday, which follows Black Friday, was first celebrated in 2010 and encourages shoppers to invest in their community by supporting area businesses.

And on Cyber Monday, which has origins dating back to 2005, is expected to bring in $7.8 billion in sales this year.

While some of the holiday weekend is spent from the comfort of home while online shopping or supporting small businesses, Black Friday often results in injury and even death.

Since 2006, according to a website called Black Friday Death Count, there have been 12 deaths and 117 injuries. The question begs, is it worth it?

Americans are growing increasingly materialistic. With online shopping, quick shipping, websites that sell items at a much lower cost than found in stores and the unspoken acceptance of having more than one would ever use, it is easier than ever to fall into a shopping craze.

So on this Cyber Monday, leverage the deals you might score with your actual need for that item especially if you went out for both Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.