12 Days of Christmas: Day 2

Day 2: Black Friday/General Shopping Tips & Tricks

I generally find myself in the crowds the day after Thanksgiving.  I swear every year that I won't go back out, but then it's the night before and I find myself making plans.  In the past, I usually go with my mom and sometimes my sister.  We never wait outside for the deals, we try not to get to a store before it opens.  No deal is THAT good!!  We get a lot of holiday shopping finished and I enjoy the crowds and Christmas music. A few years ago I did make the trip out with J's brother's girlfriend.  We went to the mall and then went to breakfast at Panera.  It was fun and we had a good time.  It's funny to think about now because at breakfast we had kind of talked about weddings -- even though at the time, neither of us were engaged.
I don't run through the stores or plow into people.  I don't cause a scene or tear items from other people's hands.  I hope to find whatever it is I am searching for but make sure to keep my feelings in check so as not to be overwhelmed by disappointment if they don't. =)  I don't really have any plan of action when I go out that morning.
I have learned to love the internet and online shopping.  I seem to always find the best deals online, however, to compete, there are a lot of stores that will beat the online price.  I learned that onlines sites, Target/Kohl's/etc. COMPETE with the in-store sales.  I try to find what I believe to be the best price on an item online and then take that price to the stores with me JUST IN CASE I don't find a better deal.  Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
This year I believe I am going shopping with my mom on Black Friday -- but nothing has been officially decided. =) Happy Shopping!