How many of you shop on Black Friday? I've never taken advantage of the sales, but money is a little tight this year and I'm thinking that this year I might try it if one or two of the items on my kids' list is on sale. I did a search for sites that list Black Friday sales before the circulars come out on Thanksgiving, but so far haven't seen anything listed I feel is worth getting up early for and fighting the crowds. LOL Of course, there is still time and I won't make a decision until I see how I feel Thanksgiving night.

So, if I do decide to go, anyone want to share their strategies for surviving the morning? I would more than likely have to get up very early and be home before DH goes to work, so time-saver tips would be appreciated.

By Boxzgrl on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 03:33 pm:

You couldn't get me to go if they we're giving things away for free, lol! I made the mistake one year of going (not for Christmas shopping but I needed a new pair of jeans) and it took FOREVER to get in and out. About 3 hours. I couldn't ever do that again.

I'd love to hear the strategies of those who do though.

By Paulas on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 04:05 pm:

what is Black Friday?

By Sunny on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 04:45 pm:

I didn't realize how many definitions there are for it, but this is the one I'm referring to.

Black Friday

By Trina~moderator on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 04:47 pm:

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, when most people have time off from work, and it's considered the first official day of the Christmas shopping season. A lot of stores have big sales, but from my experience, the crowds are horrendous! I avoid going out on Black Friday if at all possible.

By Tink on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 06:11 pm:

I have one friend that swears by the savings she gets each year by doing EVERY bit of her shopping on Black Friday but I just don't have the patience for it. I did go out two years ago on Saturday morning and was pleasantly surprised by the lack of crowds and there were still plenty of sales in place. My only bit of advice is to plan to be out very early. I think Walmart starts their early bird specials at 5am and our mall starts at 6am. Yikes!!!

By Marg on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 06:41 pm:

Beware and Be Careful.

One year I got up at 4 a.m. to get to a Walmart by 4:30 and the sale started at 6. I was number 11 in line for Game Boys at $39.99. I believe you were limited to 2 or 3. Anyway by the time it got to me, #11 in line, they were sold out.

Stores keep a limited quanity of some items and it's first come, first serve.

I will never do it again.

By Karen~moderator on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 06:56 pm:

I LOVE shopping on that particular day, simply because it puts me in the holiday mood. I actually don't ever buy much that day, but I love to see all the decorations and smell the smells in the malls, and watch the people. I know, I'm nuts......

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 07:59 pm:

I usually end up having to work, but I hate having to get up so early and the crowds are just ridiculous!

By Bellajoe on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 08:30 pm:

NO WAY would i go shopping the day after Thanksgiving! And NO WAY am i getting up that early just to shop.

By Marcia on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 08:51 pm:

Karen, I'm with you!! We don't have Black Friday in Canada, but we do have some pretty wild Boxing Day shopping. I thrive on the insanity of it all! I love to watch people, love good deals, and am pretty much a shopaholic anyway. LOL I love the magic in the air that comes with Christmas shopping.

By Wandilu on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 09:28 pm:

I love almost EVERYTHING about christmas! I'm already playing christmas music.And I'm on my 2nd container of boiled custard already.But I won't be shopping that day.Wal-mart is the closest big store around here.Last year they said people were actually fussing and fighting over things.Plus,we have our family dinner on that day.When the kids started getting married,and the question of "who are we eating with...who first...should we stay at our own house..."we decided to be conciderate and have our meal on Friday so there would be less stress.Also,that free's me up to eat T.dinner with my best friend of almost 40 yrs,and her family.So it works good.

By Breann on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 09:51 pm:

I LOVE it!!! Even if I don't need to buy anything, I go just for fun. I love to see everyone in the holiday mood, along with all the holiday decorations. Love it!

By Nicki on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 10:01 pm:

I love people, but am a bit of an introvert. No shopping for me on that day! I'd tire out and seek solace after an hour, and never return, lol.

Wandilu, I think it's great how you work things out in your family by having Thanksgiving for everyone the next day. Your kids are lucky to have such considerate parents!

By Maddysmommy on Saturday, November 12, 2005 - 11:05 pm:

black friday sales http://www.bf2005.net/

By Kaye on Sunday, November 13, 2005 - 12:58 am:

I try to go if at all possible. We tend not to be home so it makes that difficult. Where my familyu is there just isn't a big store With my hubby's family, well I never know if I am not there when the kids get up if someone will take care of them. My hubby is a bit of a morning bum and just doens't get up. Drives me crazy This year, I will be home, but family will be here, I would love to go. I only go IF there is something I NEED. I always get out later in the day, just for fun...HO HO HO!