This post is by our regular contributor, Erin.
Can you believe that in just a few short days, most of us will be sitting around a table with friends and family, stuffing ourselves silly, all in the name of Thanksgiving? Sounds like a great way to enjoy the holiday, right?
You know what’s not a great way to enjoy it? Cutting it short by going shopping in the wee hours the morning after.
Unless you have a family tradition of going out to shop on Black Friday, I’d argue it’s not in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Aren’t we trying to focus on things we’re thankful for? Like our family, food, shelter, pumpkin pie, and clothing?
Are you really thankful for the chance to participate in one of the most spectacular (not in a good way) displays of consumerism the United States has?
There are plenty of things to do on Black Friday instead of shop – things that celebrate the spirit of the holidays. Plus, by not shopping, you’re saving money!
1) Start Decorating for Christmas
Or Chanukah, or whatever holiday you happen to celebrate! (Festivus, anyone?) If you’re one of those people who can’t stand holiday music playing in November, then you might want to hold off, but there are plenty of people who enjoy decorating right away.
To this day, decorating the house remains a family tradition for my parents and I. We’re so serious about it, we have designated roles. My dad is usually in charge of putting the tree up (we have a fake one as I’m allergic) and stringing the lights around it. My mom and I split the ornaments, each taking one half of the tree.
My mom and I place all the figurines around the living room, hang stockings, and put decorations in windows. In years past, my dad has put the lights up on the outside of the house, but my fiance took over last year.
I went to visit my parents last weekend, and my mom was already getting giddy about putting the tree up. It’s a great way to spend the day together, and you don’t have to put on music. Make some hot chocolate, eat leftovers, and have fun!
2) Binge-Watch TV Shows
Let’s face it, some of us may go a little overboard with eating on Thanksgiving. If that’s the case, you’re probably not up to going anywhere the day after anyway. Why not just stay in and relax?
Binge-watching TV shows on Netflix or Hulu+ can be a great way to spend the day with loved ones (or by yourself). Take advantage of time off if you have it and dedicate the day to relaxing.
3) Enjoy a Warm Beverage and Chat
If family and friends are in town that you don’t normally get to see, make time for a coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or hot apple cider date! Just be sure to go later on in the day, when the crowds have thinned.
Alternatively, you can invite them over and catch up over a drink you made from scratch instead (especially if you have a fireplace – cozy!).
4) Find Ways to Re-use Leftovers
The amount of leftovers people have after Thanksgiving can be overwhelming. It would be horrible to see all that food go to waste! Go on Pinterest or do a simple Google search, and I’m sure you’ll find all sorts of “Thanksgiving leftover recipes.”
I’d be remiss if I didn’t suggest simply donating the leftover food you have to those in need. That’s much more in the holiday spirit than Black Friday shopping.
5) Evaluate Your Goals
The holiday season has a way of making us reflect on how the year has gone, which also makes it a great time to stop and evaluate the progress you’ve made!
Ask yourself if you’ve been moving closer toward the goals you initially set this year and if you’re happy with your progress. Did you have to change any of your goals in the middle of the year? Why? Will you resume them at a later date, or are they no longer a priority? Were there a few goals you completely forgot about?
Take the time to record your answers and then formulate a plan going forward. There’s no reason to wait until January 1st to start over – you can start this weekend!
6) Review Your Gift-Giving Budget
While I hope anyone going out on Black Friday has a plan, now is a great time to carefully review your gift-giving budget to make sure you can afford to buy what your friends and family are requesting.
It’s very easy to get yourself into debt during the holidays. Everyone is trying to take your money. It’s your job to write out a list for everyone you plan to buy for, write down the presents you plan to buy, and then stick to it!
While you’re at it, include yourself in the budget if you’re prone to buying for yourself while out scouting for deals. Remember – there are good deals to be had from now until Christmas. You can take your time and research prices to ensure you’re paying the least amount possible. Don’t give into “doorbuster” deals!
7) Exercise it Off
Did you eat too much dessert on Thanksgiving? Walk it off the next day! Sure, you might burn some calories trying to rush the stores on Black Friday, but I’ll take nature over the mall.
If you have any trails nearby, go hiking with friends and family. Near a beach and have warm weather? Go along the boardwalk. Is it freezing and snowy where you are? Build a snowman or go sledding!
I’m sure you can find something active to do outside, even if it’s just walking around the neighborhood to enjoy the autumn air. If it’s crummy out, then fire up some exercise videos on YouTube or have a dance party!
8) Write “Thank You” Notes
Something I’ve been trying to make a habit of lately is sending people “thank you” emails, letting them know how much of an inspiration they’ve been to me. The response has been amazing. You get to make someone’s day, and their response usually makes your day!
Spread the true spirit of Thanksgiving and tell people how thankful you are to have them in your life.
________________
Don’t give into mindless consumption on Black Friday. Your energy can be better used elsewhere, and you can spend your time doing much more worthwhile things. Save your money and spend time with loved ones instead.
Do you plan on going shopping on Black Friday, or do you try to focus on loved ones the day after? Who’s going to detox from all the food they’ll eat? What are you looking forward to about the holiday season?
Check out some of our favorite personal finance resources:
Are you getting the best credit card rewards? Check out the top cash back credit card offers (updated daily)
Make extra money: 15 ways to make money from your computer
Get the First Chapter Free!
Join our online community and get the first chapter of the book Student Loan Solution absolutely FREE!
Great list for all the people who have zero interest fighting the crowds on black Friday. I love the binge-watch suggestion. Sounds amazing! I’ll run that by my wife and see if I get the okay.
How about side hustle?! :) I will be writing and studying for the CFP exam – woop woop
We are staying home and we be enjoying a Star Wars marathon with the family!
Financegirl Nice! Excellent ideas. I will be doing some writing as well.
We’ll be spending time with family and probably watch a movie or go look at Christmas lights. I’d rather get my eyes poked out than go shopping on Black Friday, lol.
All great ideas! We always spend Black Friday decorating for Christmas and watching Christmas movies. Always super fun, and much cheaper than going shopping. :-)
Great list. My mom and I were just discussing if we wanted to go shopping or stay home and decorate the tree. With so many option available online, I might end up doing some online shopping from home :) My mom and I always went Black Friday shopping when I was younger and this is the first one we will be together in a couple of years. Even if we go out, it’s more about spending the day together and memory making than purchasing things.
This post is getting me in the mood for Christmas! We will spend Friday decorating for Christmas, playing with the kids, and probably binge-reading them Little House on the Prairie stories since they’ve been into that lately. We’ll meet up with some friends, too.
I would LOVE to binge watch Netflix on Black Friday this year but unfortunately my family is staying with me. We will probably go bowling and hang out so it should be a cost effective Black Friday even if it won’t be as relaxing as I would like.
How about waking up super early to track promotional activity for your job? Just me?
At least I’ll be doing so with the warm glow of a computer screen and in the comfort of my own home.
Be thankful for the year past and plan the next years out line. It may change of course, but planning either by myself or with my family is a very sweet pleasant task.
Financegirl You rock, Financegirl.
I was never a BF person so I’m either exercising, reading, watching movies, possibly shooting a video, or al l of the above. :)
I am not going out on Black Friday and haven’t in YEARS. If I need to buy something as a gift for someone during the holidays, I do it online. I’ll be busy hanging out with friends/family and eating leftovers.
Mark@BareBudgetGuy Haha, I hope you do! It’s a nice way to unwind.
Financegirl I had side hustle listed, but took it off as I was mainly trying to focus on doing things in the spirit of the holidays/spending time with loved ones. I’ll be working, too, though. Good luck with studying!
DebtDiscipline Oh man, I’m jealous! That’s an awesome idea. Gotta get ready for the new movie in a few weeks!
FrugalRules Haha, I agree. I can’t stand normal crowds, so Black Friday is not for me. I used to love driving around the neighborhood at night looking at all the houses lit up!
Laurie TheFrugalFarmer Exactly – as soon as I start thinking about Black Friday I get stressed out. Decorating is much better! I hope you guys enjoy it.
believeinabudget Aw! My aunt usually goes Black Friday shopping so I went with her a few times, and then my cousin and my mom also went once. We honestly didn’t get amazing deals, so it wasn’t worth it for us. Being together is definitely the important thing!
Pretend to Be Poor That sounds lovely! Quality kid-time is always nice, as is reading!
blonde_finance Ooh, bowling and hanging out sounds like a lot of fun, too! Hopefully you’ll get to relax soon. I love spending time with family, but it can get hectic.
Hannah UnplannedFinance Aw, way to look on the bright side. If you’re on the clock that early I hope you get off early and can spend some time with the family!
EWaniewski Yay, a fellow planner! I’ve been doing a bunch of thinking about next year and need to take some time to formalize it or at least write it down.
Beachbudget That sounds like a great plan to me! I’ll probably be doing the walking/reading/writing/working thing, haha.
ferventfinance Yes, that’s the way to go! Online shopping is so much better than going out to the stores and having to fight over parking spots and whatnot. Enjoy!
I’ll be relaxing with family and friends on Black Friday but plan to do some shopping on Cyber Monday. I prefer the ease of shopping from my home, than facing the crowds, but I still want to take advantage of the sales when I can!
I’ll be in Mexico this year. I’m pretty sure they don’t do Black Friday. Any of the items on your list are much better than fighting crowds.
ShannonRyan I’m the exact same way! Shopping online is much less stressful. =)
Eyesonthedollar Nice, I hope you enjoy it!
Great ideas! I should definitely exercise the day after Thanksgiving :) and it’s a family tradition to put up our Christmas tree and other decorations the day after as well.
I work on BF, so that takes up most of my day. Mainly, I’ll hit a couple of sales online, but I try to avoid physical stores because of the crush of people and my fatigue. But mainly I spend the day answering people who can’t get coupons to work. That kind of puts a damper on the spirit of consumption.
Chonce Nice! Decorating together is an awesome tradition to have.
AbigailP Ack, I’m sorry to hear that! I remember working in a toy store on Black Friday and there were always gift cards and coupons that needed to be addressed. Not fun. It seems like more and more people are becoming fans of online shopping, which is good to see!
I unfortunately make a lot of excuses to not work on my blog because “life gets in the way” but I aim to work on the blog, have a warm drink, and get some resolutions down for my first year of blogging!
I won’t be doing any shopping on Black Friday. I will be relaxing and working on blog related stuff.
Jen Li That sounds like a great plan! Life definitely does get in the way, but if you’re serious about something, you just need to make time for it!
Jason @ The Butler Journal Nice! Sounds like what a lot of us will be doing.
These are all infinitely better than spending a day off from work – spending money – which means that you’ll have to work more – to earn it back.
We will probably spend the day decorating and listening to Christmas music. I hope to make a good amount of progress on my DIY Christmas presents too.
Harmony@CreatingMyKaleidoscope That’s exactly how I view it! Good luck on decorating and the DIY presents!
Thank you for writing this post, I highlighted this story on my weekly good
reads post at my blog. I cannot stand Black Friday and the hype
surrounding it; the holidays are not about getting the best deal. At my house on Black Friday, we round up all of our excess fresh food and
canned goods, then go to the grocery store and buy some staple items. I
make my kids go with me to our local food bank and deliver the food.
Food banks desperately need food post Thanksgiving, because they are
depleted from the holiday. I figure it’s a win-win, we get to help
others and my children learn the power of giving.
Investmenthunt I’m glad you enjoyed it! I love that idea, and it’s a great teaching opportunity for kids. Most don’t realize how fortunate they are to have their basic needs met when there are so many people out there who are struggling.
My mom and I went to a couple of sales on black Friday weekend. We didn’t go to crazy though. I think we spend under $150. We read books, talked about life, and watched bad reality TV.