Welcome to Blackout Wednesday.  It’s also known as Black Wednesday, Drinksgiving, and Thanksgiving Eve.  So, how did we get here?

The first Google searches recorded for Blackout Wednesday date back to only 2014, but this celebration has been going on for years.  Think about it:  many people return home — (college aged especially)  — and it’s a chance to get together with old friends, avoid old family issues, or…BOTH, maybe?

According to this article from VinePair, 20% of the United States plan to head out to a watering hole tonight, making it the second busiest bar night of the year behind New Year’s Eve and ahead of Halloween.  But Chicago should be especially…umm…proud?  The Sun-Times reported in 2012 that in the suburbs, tonight usually finishes first over all others.  And Urban Dictionary says the origins of the “holiday” started right here — for whatever that is worth.

That same survey detailed what people’s drink of choice will be tonight:  43% go with beer, 33% choose cocktails, 29% go with wine, and 14% hit spirits straight from the bottle.

Tonight isn’t all fun and games either:  the Wall Street Journal reported in 2012 that tonight is one of the biggest nights for drinking and driving in some cities.

So, it goes without saying…don’t be stupid.  Don’t binge, & don’t drink and drive — go with public transportation, ride share, or designate a driver.   Set yourself up to enjoy life tonight.  — [eric]