I’ve been one of those folks who gets up at 3am to stand in line for the really great deals. But year after year I was frustrated by the rude “adults” who act like 3 year olds, pushing, and shoving and stealing things out of people’s carts when they aren’t looking. And often the thing I got up early for was sold out before I could reach it.
Source: Plasticjungle.com
Not all my Black Friday shopping has been a bust. 5 years ago I stood in line and snagged a lovely pair of black boots which I finally wore out, and my husband purchased a new suit at rock bottom prices–which is still good!
I have a hard time passing up a good deal. My hands get sweaty and I have trouble thinking clearly. In hindsight there wasn’t anything I purchased at that time that I couldn’t have lived without. And sometimes living without is a happier existence, because I’m not left with the clutter.
So this Black Friday if you come to my home, you’ll find a peaceful family, listening to Christmas carols and sipping hot chocolate. After the chores are done, we’ll bring out the board games and read some books aloud. It sounds so much better to me than fighting the frenzy at the store.
If there are some Black Friday deals you can’t live without, many stores are now offering the same deals online, so you can shop at home without fighting the crowds. To take full advantage of Black Friday deals, shop with a plan. Know what you are looking for, for whom, and how much you have to spend. If what you went to the store for is sold out, ask for a rain check so you can pick up the deal later. Finally, don’t be dazzled by good deals that don’t fit in your plan. That way you can feel good about your purchase and know it won’t send you over your Christmas budget.
I’m with you! I’ve never shopped Black Friday, being as frugal as I am….the deals just aren’t worth it to me. Enjoy your day! We’ll be putting up the Christmas tree. 🙂
Amen! Me too! I’ve never shopped Black Friday. We do ours online if we feel we need to but mostly you’ll find us putting up the Christmas tree and lights!
Last year was the first year I went but I went in the afternoon when the stores were cleared out. I found some nice deals on pajamas for the kids and picked up a couple of toys. I went again this year but I went at midnight Friday night. I again got some great deal on pajamas for the kids and picked up a couple of toys.
Overall, every year when I look at the ads, I’m not floored with the deals. Usually it’s stuff we don’t need. We would love a flat screen television but the television we have works just fine so I can’t justify spending money on things just to have the latest greatest thing.
It also saddens me to watch the news and see and hear how people are acting. Fighting, punching, greediness. I saw a story last night of a woman who sprayed 10 people with pepper spray and another who was laughing saying that she cuts in front of people and would take something out of someone else’s cart if needed. Truly not the type of Christmas I would want to be a part of. I want my children to know that Christmas is about Christ, not the craziness they see on television.
I went out Black Friday but in the afternoon looking for a cd for a friend. Well, I ended up paying full price because it was NOT on sale but good music these days are hard to find. BUT when I did find and by accident was a pair of beautiful black and grey wool/ cashmere gloves with rabbit hair cuffs that WAS 36. Snagged for 11.00. I liked them so much I went back with my daughter and she purchased the grey ones and I purchased another pair. She is a seamstress and told me they were well make and not the faux fur stuff that gets all over everything thing (she works in a fabric store) …yeah, I am sure some people will yell at me for rabbit hair…but
…”ye without sin may throw the first stone” Jesus stated
I really don’t like to shop, so to me Black Friday is a nightmare you’d have to pay me to endure. One of my favorite sales is the POST Christmas markdown of toys at target. I’ve gotten $20-$50 toys for few bucks. The best part NO CROWD. I get the kids birthday presents this way. I don’t shop that far in advance for my older kid’s next Christmas… because you never know WHAT they’ll be into by then 🙂