Why I Love Shopping Black Friday {Tips Included!}

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Why I Love Shopping Black Friday - shopping tips included - Columbia SC Moms Blog

Now more than ever, the holiday season means taking sides. Political sides – are you #feelingthebern or #teamtrump? Family sides – going to mine or to yours? Turkey sides – deep fried, smoked, or traditional oven roasted? A couple years ago, when some stores started opening first at midnight Thursday, and then earlier and earlier on Thursday evening, a new division has cropped up.

Do you shop on Thanksgiving?

I see it all over my newsfeed. People are taking a stand. They say that they pledge to not shop on Thanksgiving. Because retail workers deserve time with their families, too. Because family is sacred, and that’s what this holiday is all about. Stop feeding the greed! I see one post with the “good” stores. You know, the list with the stores that are closed on Thanksgiving. Various retailers play up this seemingly angelic aura with well-timed commercials (I’m looking at you TJ Maxx and company).

Then I see another list. The “Dirty Dozen.” This isn’t Clint Eastwood, folks. Or even produce that you should only buy organic. These are retailers that are open on Thanksgiving, at some point in the day. Usually they do not open until 6 p.m. or later. This list is posted on a black meme, trying to highlight the evil greediness of these companies.

Let’s just stop. Please. Just. Stop.

I used to work retail. My very first job was wrapping gifts during Christmas season at the Exchange on the base where my dad was stationed. I’ve worked at Target over the holiday season. I’ve worked in a busy mall during the holiday rush. I know how it is from that side. The hectic schedules. The stampede of customers. The long hours and crappy pay. I’ve been there. And yet…

I shop on Thanksgiving.

black friday shopping with kids - columbia sc moms blog
Early on Grey Thursday/Black Friday – one of my shopping companions was intrigued. Later, not so much. If you have to bring a baby with you, babywearing is where it’s at.
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Why? because after the turkey is eaten, desserts have been consumed and all the other traditions have been observed, I need to get out of the house. My husband and I leave the kids with family and we treat it like a date night. We stay out late on Thanksgiving, get to sleep in on Friday, and maybe, if we feel like it, we go back out again Friday afternoon. Why? Because we can.

How to Make the Most of Your Black Friday Shopping Experience

If you are like us, and enjoy the adrenaline rush of the kick-off of shopping season, here are my tips.

Have a game plan. Especially if you are looking for specific items, know which stores you need visit in which order.

Dress warmly. Even in fickle Columbia weather, once the sun goes down it is sure to be chilly. You will be standing in a line outside a store at some point. I can almost guarantee it. Really smart shoppers bring a warm beverage.

Be patient. Lines are going to take a while. You know this. Plan ahead and allow for line time. Keep an extra helping of that patience for the retail workers that are trying to help you. They are busy, frazzled, and just trying to do their level best to help you, believe me. This kind of stressful work day brings out the best and worst in all of us. Remember that when dealing with your fellow shoppers and the retail workers.

Have a shopping buddy. One, it’s just more fun that way. Two, dividing and conquering is one of the best ways to make sure you get in and out with the items you are looking for in a timely fashion. Three, it especially is helpful to have an extra set of eyes and hands for spotting deals and holding onto all the things.

Most importantly — have fun. If you are getting out there to shop, I’m willing to bet it is either because you have to work the rest of the holiday weekend or because you just enjoy the experience. And keep that joy in mind when you are waiting in line or discover there are no more of whatever it is you’re looking for on the shelf. There’s always Cyber Monday.

What is your stance on Black Friday and stores opening their doors earlier on Thanksgiving Day? Yay or Nay?

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Katrina Siron
Katrina is a mom of three great kids and has been married to her first love for nearly 10 years. She’s grateful to have a job that allows her the flexibility to both work from home some days and in the office others. On the surface, Katrina is pretty crunchy – she loves breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, natural birth, and homeschooling — but still loves her stroller, having her kids in their own beds at some point, her epidural was fantastic, and she’ll be sending the kids through public school. Most of all she loves the fact that we have all these choices, which makes life interesting! One of her favorite experiences was moving to Japan in 2002 to live as an adult dependent with their USMC family. It was an amazing experience, and if it weren’t for that, she probably wouldn’t ever have met my husband.

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