I think that if you go out on the Friday night, it's going to be relatively slowed down. I say that becuase much of the "black friday" is beginning on Thanksgiving night this year as Walmart, Best buy and I'm guessing others are starting at 8 pm Thursday night. Just a thought, but you could probably keep the tradition and still avoid a lot of the stress that goes with the crowds. I'm sure it won't all be gone but for the most part it will have calmed a bit. Just my 2c