Black Friday - Eugene,OR

You do realize that most of the Black Friday shopping takes place while children are asleep, right? And that there are still 3 other full days for family?

I don't participate, but if you are on a budget & like to shop, why not? Not everyone can or wants to pay full price. Considering that you could probably get most of shopping done for Christmas in one partial day, I can see why people do it.

What other people do today doesn't really affect me, so I don't get my undies in a bunch over it.

I hate crowds, and getting up early, and standing in the cold, so I don't do Black Friday AT ALL. Did it once, hated it, and never will again.

BUT..... I have good friends who LOVE to go out and do these things. Most of them I know do it with their kids. They make a game of it, go out to breakfast, spend time together and think it's fun. I might think they're crazy, but again, it doesn't affect me. So why should I care? And why should you?

Do what you want and let other people do what they want. Everybody's happy that way. :-)

I have a friend who called me this morning to say that she had gone to a midnight sale at one of the large national chains. The line just to get in went all the way around the back of the store and once they got in...there were no carts. Some people had two and three carts just for themselves and other people had none. They had to wait in line, then they had to wait for carts.

That's insanity I never would have taken part in.
But....her three little kids were in bed asleep. She went with a friend who she never gets to see because of their conflicting work and family schedules. For them, it wasn't even about shopping. It was about sneaking away for some time together and even with all the madness, they had fun.

I know other women who get up for the sales at 4am. They do it every year and for them, it's not really about the shopping. They leave and are home before the husbands and kids ever get out of bed.

I'd rather sleep than deal with the chaos of a thousand maniacs, but that's just me.

Your post reminds me to not be so judgemental. I wonder if I sound like you sometimes... Let's see - the stock market and banks are open today so not just people in retail have to work. Maybe for some people such as mothers of teenage girls, going shopping today is a good way to spend time together. Maybe some people really need to save the extra money on the deals. Maybe other people don't see it as wasting time. Maybe it's raining or inclement weather where some people live so going for a hike isn't practical and they want to get out of the house. And I don't see going to a movie as a better use of time btw. You're not talking and you're sitting down. At least shopping is exercise and some interaction. I don't go out on Black Friday either to the stores really but I also don't look down on people who do.

Leah - Judgy lately?
I went out this morning and black Friday shopped because I wanted to get some good deals on some things that I knew my family (brothers and nieces) wanted. I didn't sit in one single line (YEAH) and I got everything on my list! I left at 6 and got home at 10. Then, since it's sunny, we will be heading out to the park. We are also reading stories, playing air hockey, and eating dinner at my parents house this evening.
So, just because YOU would never do it doesn't mean that I am a binge shopper. Just means that I wanted to shop and get good deals.
L.

Judgmental much?

I do payroll, as such I am in work at the moment so 470 people get paid on time. I wish you realized just how ignorant this post sounds to people like me.

When I used to do black Friday I took my daughter with me and was home by 7 in the morning. Do you really get up at say 5 in the morning and hike with your kids? Mine wouldn't like that. Do you get it? You don't even know what you are talking about.

Just an FYI this is a paid holiday for me, I am one of three people in the office, everyone else is out shopping.

People/families can do WHATEVER they want these four days. Shop at all hours of the night, decorate for Christmas, be alone, go to a strip club, watch too much TV or here's a good one....WORK. My daughter worked on Thanksgiving, made it to her dad's side of the family for a late thanksgiving and then shopped until 3 am. Working in certain fields it is expected to work weekends and holidays. I'm working today as well...patients always have questions on their laboratory results and who wants to be tortured into waiting until Monday??

Holidays are NOT the only days to spend with family and friends, I will not wait for a holiday excuse to do so.

I enjoy Black Friday personally. I DO shop for things throughout the year for Christmas. Typically, I am good way towards done by the time that Black Friday arrives.

I tried going out to Wal-Mart last night at 10 p.m. and it was beyond horrible. Literally, you could not move in the store and I could not find ANYTHING on my list. After about an hour of that, I said screw it and came home for a glass of wine.

I got up this morning before the 4 a.m. sales and the stores were wonderful. Although it was still somewhat busy, they weren't near as crazy as last night. I use this day to pamper myself a bit and pick up a few things for me that I wouldn't buy normally. For instance, I got these really cute pearl and sterling silver earrings at Target for $12.50. I tend to pick up things for the kids and DH if I find good prices. I also ordered some stuff online with free shipping yesterday.

I was home and bringing breakfast in for the family by 9:30 a.m. Since the kids did not get up until 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. anyway, it's not like I left them without Mom all day long. We have spent the rest of the day together.

Bottom line, if you don't like it. then just don't go. Noone makes you go out on Black Friday. Why would you care what "stuff" everyone has in their home? It really doesn't affect you so you shouldn't worry about it.

Many people enjoy the shopping frenzy, and they participate in it with family. It's not for me, though.

My husband has to work, and I have two sons, 7 and 13. We're going to cover up our woodpile because we're expecting rain. Then we're building a big fire in the fireplace, and watching Christmas movies while curling up on the couch. We put the Christmas decorations up already, so we can enjoy those also. We are also going to play Uno. It's my youngest's favorite game. I'm very excited about our day, so I better go get started on that woodpile!

I consider myself thrifty, but there is nothing I need enough to be at a store at 4am unless it were medicine for a sick child. And I am going to teach my son that if he wants something, he can save for it, or if it'll go hugely on sale the week after Christmas, I'm going to give him a gift certificate and get it for him a day later. No one died because they didn't get a gift on Christmas day :P

I'm relaxing, going to the park, letting my hard working hubby sleep in. We'll be having family time, and I'll be studying for my class.

LOL Everything is what YOU make of it. Sounds like this would be shear torture for you.

My sister used to shop these sales, My niece, sister and I would get up VERY early (not as early as you do now), get coffee and a small breakfast and head to Mervyns and Penneys (yep, dating myself). We usually went to Penney's first because they have a cute Disney ornament (I still have a 101 dalmation ornament). It was fun, a few years my sister stayed out way too long for my comfort, but it was bonding time for us while the guys stayed home and watched football or whatever they did.

This year we are going to take the dogs for a long walk around neighborhood parks, maybe take the camera along for a project my daughter is working on. Wouldn't trade either experience for the world.

I do agree (my opinion only) this years store openings are out of hand. BUT, that's me and my situation. I have planned out what we will give everyone and we don't have many electronics or toys on our radar this year. Be thankful and have fun no matter what you've chosen to do today!

I am doing laundry. I am spending time with my family.

I don't do Black Friday. i don't like the crowds and the rude people. There's no way I would get up at 4AM to go shopping. I don't even like to get up at 4AM to catch a plane!

I do my shopping starting in August and other than Christmas cards - it's almost done.

I have always had the mindset to avoid Black Friday like the plague....until last night. My mom and I decided to try it this year. It was beyond fantastic. We had so much fun and here is why: my mom and I rarely get time to spend together shopping anymore without a child or two in tow. So I enjoyed the quality time I don't often get with my mom since I became a mom. The weather was absolutely beautiful. It was still around 50 degrees at 3am. Unheard of in Nebraska this time of year! There was no drama. Every store brought their A game in managing the large crowds. Yes we had to stand in lines, but they moved along at a nice pace and the people were pleasant to talk to. I don't remember it being like that on a regular shopping day in December I got all of my shopping done and found some amazing deals. I consider my shopping done early if I get it complete a week before Christmas, but it isn't even December yet and now I am finished??? More time to spend decorating, baking and making those fun memories and traditions for our family. So it is all a matter of perspective I guess, but I will remember this Thanksgiving for years to come!
A.

I went to Walmart on Thanksgiving day at 10 pm. It was my first year ever doing the Black Friday thing. I had spent the whole day with my family (all 40 of us at my uncles home) and we came home and the kids went to bed and my cousin came and picked me up and we headed over there. So technically I spent time with my family AND went shopping.

I did the Black Friday shopping this year because we have a tiny budget for Christmas and I figure I would get some great deals (I did!!). The Walmart I went to was not so bad, yes it was very crowded, but no one got trampled, and people were actually very polite and civilized.

Our checker at Walmart was telling us she was happy to work that day because she got paid double time.

Protesting it:)

I was up at the mall 345am.

I was there just waiting for my group, and mall security came and call the police on me....Because my van has window paint that say ''99% Silent No Longer''. you can not support the 99% on Mall Property.

The Police came, I left without incident for the time being. They have been very supportive towards the Occupy Tacoma Group.....

I went to Camp, Did some Livestreaming about it......and now checking in at home, before going out with the husband to hit the mall again.

It is the first year I have not been around the day after Thanksgiving.

And I made sure my husband was not left to be my sitter, so he could come with and be active:) Normally he is home.....so I can be there.

I was actually surprised that the crowds were as small as they were!!

GO SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY!!! SHOP LOCAL!

1st - cleaned the house. We hosted yesterday, so the house was a mess.
We are having nice weather here today, so we will play outside after lunch and maybe clean out the flower beds. Then games and movie night. I don't have to cook anything because we have so many leftovers! Dinner tonight will be second Thanksgiving!
Daughter and I might go shopping tomorrow just because we want to and don't have anything to do tomorrow.

Just to play Devil's advocate here, if you go to the movies, someone's working and missing out on time with their family too. Is there a difference? Would I be destroying their lives and contributing to a breakdown in society?

Just for the record, I refuse to go stand in long lines and see people get trampled or pepper sprayed (did you see that story on CNN?), so I didn't go, not that it matters. It's just a few bad apples that spoil the bunch, just like everything else.

I'm getting on a plane in a little while. I fly coach in the cattle car, so to speak, and it's STILL a ton better than shopping with throngs of people! Bahaha!

Dawn

I don't do Black Friday or Black Saturday or Sunday for that matter. It's all madness just for more "stuff". And I've heard more people than every complaining this year about how their loved ones had to cut Thanksgiving short because they had go to sleep in the evening and get up at some ridiculous hour to work in retail. I don't want to support that either.

There are great sites online like The Hunger Site Store and others that give back to support various causes when you purchase from them... Great sites for handmade goods, like Etsy, that directly support the artists that make them...

I keep hoping that the Christmas excess is eventually changing to what the real sprit of the holidays is about... and I think that might be slowly happening. Some stores this year refused to decorate for Christmas until Thanksgiving was over, in order to respect and celebrate each holiday.

I have snuggled on the couch with my kids all morning. We are meeting friends who are just passing through town for lunch, and then might go to the movies or for a walk in the arboretum. Shop shlop... no thanks.

To each is own. Many people find black Friday shopping exciting.

I don't "do" Black Friday.
Not interested in being a puppet of retail.
Also not interested in braving crowds to save 5, 10 even 20 bucks here and there.
My time is worth more than that!
We're putting our Christmas tree & trains up instead.

I don't know why people do it, either.

Most of my holiday shopping is complete before Thanksgiving is ever here, as I try to shop during the entire year and not just during Nov/Dec.

One year I went shopping on Black Friday--it was at my in-laws, in a smaller town/city, and I had two very specific things on my Xmas wish list to pick up that were on sale at a good price--a KitchenAid mixer and a plaything for my child. That's the only time I've ever gone, and I didn't have to go at midnight nor did I have to stand in a long, long line to get what I wanted. My mindset was--I'll go when I want to go, and if the two items I want are sold out--then it wasn't meant for me to have them at this particular time. The store still had both, so I figured they were meant for me. ;)

I, too, agree that Thanksgiving should be a time to relax, enjoy with family or friends, and not bring consumerism into the picture. Do you really, really need to spend your money on stuff? On Friday I'll be working (I work at home) and/or on the computer (like here, answering questions) and my daughter has a friend over for a playdate. Nice and relaxing (alas, my hubby had to work.) I haven't decided yet what I'll do tomorrow, but if I do go shopping, I will try to go to a small shop for Small Business Day and help support the local economy.

I also don't agree with spending hundreds and thousands of dollars at Christmas time. I buy a niece and a nephew presents on my hubby's side; for two neices and two nephews on my side; small present(s) for my mom and dad; small present(s) for my MIL; and some presents for my daughter. My hubby and I don't exchange presents, although my daughter buys present(s) for mom and dad (again, with our money, since she's young; we justify that as buying presents for husband/wife, since it's our money anyway).

This year, I will spend just under $500.00 for some very, very nice presents--and that includes a little something for the dog and cat from Santa as well as a chocolate bar from St Nick for everyone (the dog and cat get one of their treats in their socks). I could do it cheaper if I had some cute ideas for do-it-yourself, homemade gifts, but I just didn't have time this year to make anything.

You don't have to spend tons of money on people; I don't believe you have to buy love or affection or happiness. And, if you do, then maybe you should relook at your priorities in life and figure out where things went wrong.

im going to be decorating a cake today! (thats my hobby) my mum has the kiddos so my hubby and i can spend some time together! and tomorrow im going to see a movie with my sis!
i HATE black friday crazyness! it makes no sense to me. consumerism at its worst, i tell my hubby!
I am hand making everyones gifts this year :)

I don't do Black Friday.

Today we slept in (didn't get home til midnite last night, and the kids all slept in til 8, which is 2 hrs later than normal)

Hubby had to go to the bank, then picked up batteries & lunch & brought it home for us, now the kids (all 3!!) are napping while I wait for hubby to come back from the eye doctor. Later this afternoon we'll do a family grocery shopping trip, cook dinner at home tonite, put the kids to sleep early & both of us will do some work on our computers.

This is relaxing, compared to the alternative of going to his aunt's house where everyone will be speaking in only Arabic (newly-arrived immigrants) and I will be chasing my kids all around & watching the clock until we can leave. It is also rare that my hubby can be around to run errands for me & with me, so we do it together and it counts for quality time in my book.

i did black friday, its at a time when kids are sleeping, sfter the holiday ends. It interupts sleep not family. I did it since my daughter was with her dad Thanksgiving night, I got tons of things 70% off, and there were no lines since I went at 1am! I loved it.I met people who were looking for sales because they were on a really tight budget that had a 5 year old girl and I let them know what items I was getting that were on sale that ddn;t have signs..the cashiers were laughing and enjoyed getting paid double..and most were college kids, and happy to be there and having fun together.

When I am in Maryland, my sisters and I go shopping on Black Friday as a way to spend time together. Most of us go for the excitement of it and to spend time together followed by the traditional breakfast at IHOP. This year, I did my shopping online, and this weekend, we are cleaning the house in preparation to put it on the market. I think I'd rather be shopping. Why do we have to wait for a holiday to go hiking with our kids or play games with our kids? We do that every weekend, or some family function every weekend, we don't just wait for holidays.

Eh, I don't do it - but mainly because I don't have enough patience with me to deal with the madness. And we're all set on electronics!!

Otherwise the deals get better closer to Christmas anyways.

I was annoyed at the stores for opening so early, but it is what it is.

Don't let stuff like this bother you though. To each their own. I spent the day with my family...couldn't have asked for more!

I don't mind other people doing the whole crazy shopping thing today. I would prefer to spend time with my family and friends----when I want to shop, I will- But today is not one of those days.
I will be enjoying a hike with my family, maybe a movie at home this evening and taking my kiddos to the park for the afternoon
M

I did black Friday once. I went for the deal, plain and simple.
I waited in line for about 2 hrs, got a wicked cool gift (she still plays with), I was a little sleep deprived but it was worth it for my kiddo. I did get up and decorate the house that Friday too. So it's not like I shopped all night and was a useless blob the rest of the day. I still enjoyed time with my family.
This year my boyfriend works both Fri and Sat but he usually does though (not everyone has a 4 day holiday). So my daughter and I are decorating the house and putting up the tree.
I looked at all the sales but there was nothing I wanted bad enough to go endure the lines. I promise you even if I had shopped all night, I would still have to get up early in the morning. Someone has to watch our kid, and since my guy went to work that someone is me.
I say to each their own. It may not be for you, but a lot of people really enjoy it. Let those people have their happiness, and you have yours. =)

I am actually reading your post and relaxing!...I don't enjoy crowds, the cold and long lines!

I don't know if what I'm am doing today makes me enjoy life more this weekend...but it was warm....so I am cutting grass...and blowing leaves. Getting my Christmas tree down out of the attic after I rest a bit.

I tried it once, just to see what I was missing. Got up and out by 5am Friday morning. It was fun watching everyone else get so excited about shopping. But the lines were ridiculously long and the deals were not that great. It wasn't worth the effort for me.

When I was married, Thanksgiving was with my in-laws and we women had a tradition of going shopping together on Friday and leaving all the kids with the dads. It was really fun to spend a few hours with my sisters-in-law and m-i-l once a year. Now that I'm divorced, I don't miss my ex but I do miss my ex-sisters and mother-in-law!

Haven't read your answers yet. Good question. We spent Thanksgiving day with my husband's family (we hosted at our house). Today, we spent the day with my cousins for our annual cousins' get-together at my sister's house. Tomorrow we will be meeting up with my MIL, SILs, hubby's grandmother for lunch out and then going to visit an aunt & uncle who live nearby but don't get out much because of health problems. Sunday is set aside for church in the morning and then maybe we'll relax or do something together - just the three of us. I never understand the mad rush to stand in line either.

I am so sick and tired of hearing that those of us that shop on black Friday are greedy. Thanks for assuming you know me and everything about me based on one day. I have a lot I can assume about you as well, based on your one question and follow up.

My mom, sister, and I LOVE BF shopping. We make a whole day out of it. We are not some group of rabid people trampling others to get some hot ticket item. In fact, there has never been a BF where there was some item we just HAD to have. We go for the fun of it and for the chance to spend the day together doing something all 3 of us enjoy - shopping! Us girls rarely get to spend time toghter, just the 3 of us. This is our one day to do it. We all spend the night together at my moms house, get up at 5, and to the stores by 6. The boys look forward to this day as well because they get to spend time together as well without having the nagging wives around to bother them. And, now that there are little ones, the dads get to spend the entire day with the babies as well. We always come back from shopping with some kind of story or some memory that we love to relive throughout the rest of the holiday season. We still have some stories that we like to retell from years past. And, the only time I have seen rabid mobs of crazed people is on the news where it has been sensationalized. in all the years we have been doing thins (we started our BF tradition in 1999) the majority of the people we meet are also in good moods, extra friendly, and extremely nice.

I do not participate in that marketing ploy either. People are crazy... fights break out, one so called mom pepper sprayed people in CA to get her toy... GEES.. Certainly not worth my time and effort or being in traffic when most people have their head up their ..... rear driving.

I have cleaned house some, I am putting our Christmas decor, going to watch some college football and enjoy my day with hubby. Daughter left to see her bf but she'll be back soon because he is in retail.

He had to cut his family visit short last night in order to be at work by 8pm-5am today then he is back today 3pm-close. :(

We typically spend weekends with each other on a normal basis as well.

wow, I sure wish I could be as perfect as you are and not ever do a single thing to cause any negative impact ever. I'll bet that while you wrote this rant telling everyone else how they are ruining the world you did it on an organic/homemade computer. I'm sure it had all natural biodegradable parts, no chemicals used, nothing at all bad for the environment. It was put together here in the US. I'm sure as you were on it you were using electricity that was generated by a natural source instead of being plugged into an electrical outlet.

you are the most egotistical/judgemental person I have ever come across. I have read many of your posts and your answers. you often times contradict yourself and love to tell everyone else what they are doing wrong and that they need to do things the way you see fit.

i did black friday shopping once, it was the first and last time. there is no deal or wanted item that is needed that bad to go through that madness again. on that note, i am spending this weekend taking our daughter to a birthday party and hosting a sleepover for her tomorrow night. on the days that my husband and i are off together, we will do the holiday decorating. when he and i want to go shopping for our daughter, we have people who are willing to babysit for us. other than that, this time of year is spent creating holiday traditions and memories