Black Friday Shopping Alternatives

Black Friday is the world series of shopping but if you do not like the thought of waiting in line for an hour, fighting for a parking spot, or being in a crowded mall, perhaps Black Friday shopping is not for you. Don't fret though because there are plenty of other activities you can engage in on the day after Thanksgiving. Black Friday might have some great shopping deals but chances are those deals will be offered the entire weekend, not just on Black Friday.

Black Friday Shopping Alternative #1 - Movies

Going to the cinema with your family is a great way to spend the day after Thanksgiving. You can go during the day and save money with a matinee. And the best part about going to the movies after Thanksgiving is that great films are often released during this holiday time.

Black Friday Shopping Alternative #2 - Games

Playing board games or cards with your family and friends is a great way to spend the day after Thanksgiving. Take advantage of your time off and break out time-consuming games like Risk and Monopoly that you would not ordinarily have an opportunity to play.

Black Friday Shopping Alternative #3 - Sports

What better way to burn off your gluttonous Thanksgiving meal than to exercise. Get outside and go for a walk or a jog around the local high school track. Go to the gym, do weight training or go swimming indoors. Why not try racquetball or even an indoor exercise you can do at home like Wii Fit? If your favorite television show is on, try jumping on the mini trampoline; that way you kill two birds with one stone. Choose an activity you enjoy and have fun while working off that cornbread stuffing.

Black Friday Shopping Alternative #4 - Chores

Now that you have the day off, why not tackle some of those chores you have been putting off? You can do some touch-up painting, clean your car, paint your deck, or even rake the leaves. If you did not get around to cleaning the baseboards in the spring, you can clean them in the fall instead. And what better time to put up your Christmas tree than Black Friday? That way you can have your friends and family help you with the decorations.

Black Friday Shopping Alternative #5 - Relax

You have been working hard all week, and if you had company over for Thanksgiving, chances are you slaved over a meal as well, so why not take a few hours to do something for yourself? Relax in a hot bubble bath, read that book you have been meaning to finish, or get back to a project you once started like knitting or scrap-booking. Now is the time for you to savor your time off and if you want to spend it sleeping on the couch or watching TV, that's OK too.