To Black Friday Shop or Not

Sunday's paper had some sneak previews. Nothing jumped out at me. Tomorrow morning the Thursday paper will continue the ad blitz, though more and more shopping seems to be happening on Thanksgiving. Sadly, the day after holiday bonus day has turned into nothing more than a spending frenzy for so many, rather than the old nostalgic start of the Christmas preparatory season as I remembered from my childhood/youth. We would shop, my mom and sisters, at a few out of town areas that had more selection. We didn't have Targets or Walmart's and driving 20 miles away was a shopping event. We went to stores like Sears and Montgomery Wards, and a few not around anymore that I don't even remember the names of in East or West St Paul. We'd all compare our good deals, but end by about 1:00 for a girls lunch. Some might venture out again. those with young children might give a respite to spouses or sitters. Later we might all meet up again, with husbands and friends for happy hour some where. 

One of my go to stores, Kohl's has early bird specials starting at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday through 1:00 Friday. That is totally nuts to me. I know that first responders, hospitals, and even gas stations need to be open on national holidays. I can even understand a grocery store being open the morning of Thanksgiving. I remember the store I worked at in high school being open until 1:00 for those last minute forgotten items. I volunteered to work both years I was employed there-it was actually a part of the holiday fun, being able to help someone out that rushed in on a panic, so relieved we were open. Restaurants also providing options for a meal for those with no place to go, but often either opened late or closed early, doing just one round of a meal. The workers in these areas are taking care of need, or near needs. Retails shops in the name of just creating a shopping frenzy, no thank you.

This year I'd like to make sure I have joy in holiday shopping-not just a mad dash for the best deals and lowest prices. I know I'll miss out on bargains and some gifts that would otherwise be unaffordable, but I'm OK with that. I have my budget and ideas for the people I have on my list, none of who really need a thing. DS might be the exception as his budget is pretty tight and a few of my gifts will check off a couple needs in the clothing department. Because the girls and I have the day off, we may head out later, after the crowds settle. I may peruse the on-line sites and see if any of my ideas are available. I intend to do some local shopping on small business Saturday, November 24th, in our  down town. I will be shopping, a bit on Friday, but I can't say I'll be doing Black Friday shopping. You may love the hoopla with the official start of the shopping season. Some people are waiting to make that big ticket purchase for themselves or their home. If it works for them, it doesn't matter to my life. I'm just musing on what I won't be doing. If you're planning to shop early and score some deals, what items are you hoping to find?