My Favorite Holiday

Now that it's November I am allowed to get excited about my favorite holiday. One might think I'm talking about Thanksgiving. And another could assume it's Christmas. However, both are incorrect assumptions. My all time, hands down, favorite holiday is Black Friday. (Okay, it really comes 3rd to Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I look forward to it in the same way.)

Yes, I am one of those insane people that gets up before the crack of dawn and goes bargain hunting. My favorite years are when I don't really need anything and I can grab a cup of coffee (and doughnut holes from Fred Meyer) and watch the insanity.

I love the ritual of sitting down with a piece of pie (yes, this is usually my 2nd piece of pie...long after the family dessert time is over) on Thanksgiving and pouring through the ads. I jot down everything: who has the best prices, what time they open, etc. and plan my day. I've already thought of the gifts I would like to get people on my list and yet keep an open mind if I see something else for a better deal :)

I try to hit up anywhere that's offering a "freebee" but not if it requires getting up earlier than 4:30am.

I compiled a few Black Friday Tips for you...

1. Try to find an out of the way door and cash register. (I would suggest looking for these a few days before Black Friday)
2. Go with a friend. It makes it so much more fun when you're waiting in lines before stores open. If you don't go with friends, strike up convos with those around you. Friends are also great for waiting in lines inside of the stores. E.g. I went with my mother in law last year and we took turns waiting in line at Target while the other would grab whatever items were on the list. We would then switch. Plan a brunch when you're all done!
3. Go with a plan. Get in, get your item(s). Get out. Get on to your next place.
4. If you don't need an item that is too large to carry, ditch the cart! They are cumbersome and can keep you from getting to whatever it is you need quickly. I like to bring reusable shopping bags to hold my items. That way I can get around easily and still hold lots of things.
5. HAVE FUN!!!

Readers: Are you a Black Friday shopper? What's on your wish list that you're hoping to find a deal for? Have you dealt with insanity of Black Friday's past? Are there any stores you refuse to go to?