The Day After Thanksgiving

Some people call it "Black Friday," some call it "Buy Nothing Day," and some call it the biggest shopping event of the year. The Friday after Thanksgiving when sales are almost mandatory is not a day for the faint of heart.

There's always a story or two about shoppers being hospitalized (or worse) by the sales-crazed crowd as they jostle, push and walk over each other to get the best prices on merchandise that will sooner or later be out of stock.

As a frugalite, I used to feel a little guilty for not getting out there and getting my share, but no more, especially this year. The sales started early, so if you haven't started shopping for Christmas, you may have already lost out on some of the best. If you shop year 'round for gifts you won't have to worry about any of it.

The Day After can be spent doing important things like eating Thanksgiving leftovers while putting up the Christmas tree. You might opt for attending local tree lighting ceremonies or Christmas parades or concerts - all kicking off this "most wonderful time of the year."

However you do it, even if you go shopping The Day After... welcome to Christmas! It's on its way.