[MommaR]

I need opinions. Every yr since hubby and I have been together (this will be Christmas #6) we get up in the middle of the night the day after TG and go Black Friday shop together. When we are done we have breakfast together, hide the gifts and snuggle back in bed together. I have some lovely memories of our BF shopping nights. With the large family, the amazing savings on a lot of wish-list items helps us give our babies a better Christmas. This yr I have some apprehensions. First of all, the local sales are starting at 8 PM on TG instead of 2 AM on Friday as usual. This means after a looong day of cooking, serving, entertaining and cleaning I will have to go str8 out to shop with no rest. Second, there are fewer things on the kids' lists this yr on sale, but there is a TERRIFIC savings on the items that are available. It would definitely stretch our Christmas budget, just maybe not as much as usual. Third, with all that has gone on in our family the last few months I am having crowd anxiety pretty bad (even just trudging thru the throngs of ppl I dont know at school has me emotionally crippled by the time I get home each day and we live in a small town so the BF crowd will be largely composed of ppl I know). Last, I only get 2 days off from school for TG break. I will spend all day cooking Thursday, half the evening shopping and probably COLLAPSE thru Friday and go right back to the grind that is already draining me on Monday. So is it worth it to help our budget and maintain my tradition with my hubby or am I adding undue stress to my life that just isnt warranted?

[hamster-bamster]

You have a large family - can anyone help you cook and, more importantly, clean up?

[MommaR]

My son who lives here is a culinary arts major, Im sure he intends to help cook. My younger grown son and hubby always pitch in on the appetizers. My dil who doesnt live here has agreed to cook one of my turkeys (yes it takes two of the biggest I can find lol) bc my oven simply cannot accommadate 2 turkeys at once, altho I will have to brine both b/c she's not an experienced cook. Clean up.... thats probably going to fall largely on my shoulders, altho the kids will be expected to pitch in somewhat and I'm sure hubby would be willing to assist with dishes (we have a dishwasher for cryin out loud lol).

I think you're adding undue stress but only you can really make that decision.
Good luck.

[MommaR]

I really appreciate your opinion, George.

[Trippin2.0]

I'm with George on this one...

[~Christina]

You could not pay me to go out and toss myself into that insane situation. You have been through so much ! Staying on budget is always a bit of a juggle. Spending time and having the tradition with your husband is important ! Maybe just change the day you guys do the christmas shopping? Seems like every store have "super low price deals " all through the holiday season. Only you can decide what is best for you .. Oh one more thing Overstock.com and Amazon.com ... I swear I find better prices on loads of stuff compared to real box stores ..

Good luck Hun

[Passion222]

I'm a Amazon nut myself. But I agree. Can you pick another day? Tradition that leads to big stress is no longer a fun tradition. Make new traditions. Designate another shopping day that's not as stressful.

[Victoria'smom]

Look into cyber Monday. The one time I went out on black friday I could have got better deals online.

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

[Cocosurviving]

I agree with Morethingswrong and George they both have good points. I usually participate in BF too (pre-onset of BP) however I've decided to fold my cards. LOL. I like the online shopping suggestion and several stores offer the save bargin sales online w/ free ship to store.