Black Friday

Why do we do it? Rise hours before dawn to stand in line and be some of the first customers to rush a store for "doorbuster" deals? I'll tell you why I do it.

My friend invited me a few years ago to Black Friday shop with her because her "regular" shopping friend couldn't go. I had never been before, and frankly, had never considered it. "Well, those people are just crazy. I do not need a sale that bad!" I used to declare. But, I really like this friend and wanted her to have the shopping experience she desired, so I drug myself out of bed, grabbed a cup of coffee, a short shopping list and embarked on what would prove to be the first of many fanatical Black Fridays.

I admit it, I am hooked. It was so much fun standing in line with my friend, sipping coffee, sharing our Thanksgiving memories from the day before, our hopes for our children and our children's children for the future (while we are shivering), and, I cannot deny, we entered each store to win the prize of the deal of the day.

We make a pretty good team. We usually separate at the door, grab our trophy deals, and meet at the register to check out (cell phones are a must!) She has, on several occasions, enabled me to be next in line for cameras that were limited to the first 10 customers, grabbed vacuums that were being considered by other people and I really needed that last one, and she simply helps me make those decisions that need a second opinion.

I believe Black Friday Shopping is first about being with my friend and second about shopping. Husband loves it because he gets to stay in bed, yet he benefits from me getting more for our money at Christmas.

Thank you friend for inviting me years ago to share your life with you.