Ten Steps to Survive the Day After Thanksgiving Christmas Shopping Battle

With the Thanksgiving turkey safely stored in the refrigerator nestled among the mound of mashed potatoes, bowl of giblet gravy, and container of cornbread stuffing, it's time to prepare yourself for the impending battle of day after Thanksgiving shopping for Christmas specials. Whether you're out to complete your Christmas shopping list in one fell swoop or you're after the quick score of a spectacular deal on this year's hot item, the battle grounds of the Black Friday shopping frenzy is not a place for the feint of heart.

Let's face the facts. We have all witnessed the hoards and masses mobbing through the doors to snatch the Cabbage Patch and Tickle Me Elmo dolls of Christmas' past. We've seen the security camera footage of the innocent victims being trampled by ruthless shoppers that were overly anxious to get their greedy paws on the seasonal special. It is all out war and you must prepare yourself for a fight. A battle is won through proper preparation prior to the first shot being fired so start your preparation early. Here is a guide to help you organize your plan of attack on the day after Thanksgiving sales and to prepare yourself mentally and physically to complete your Christmas shopping tasks.

1. Shopping list

The week prior to the event, start to organize your shopping list. Be sure to include a complete list of items that you want to purchase. It is often easier to use an Excel spreadsheet as later in planning you will need to adjust your shopping list accordingly. Be succinct yet detailed in your shopping list and be sure to include:

Item description

§ Color, size and style of the gift

§ Target price of the gift

§ List the specials, coupons, or flyers associated with this purchase

§ Store where the gift is to be purchased

2. Plan your attack

Now is a good time to start scanning the sales papers for specials and coupons for the upcoming day after Thanksgiving sales. This will help you identify a solid price and locate the best offering of selections or prices. Determine whether you can purchase multiple items in the same department store and adjust your shopping list accordingly by grouping gifts purchased in the same department store together. Will you be shopping in an indoor mall, a strip mall or several separate department stores? Map out the location of each department store that you will visit and plan your ingress into and your egress out of the conflict zone. Make straight line sweeps up one side of the shopping mall and return down the other side to avoid additional walking and crowds. Plan your driving route to use your time as efficiently as possible. Now that you have your route planned out, make the final adjustments to your shopping list and organize the groups of gifts in sequential order according to your route. You don't want to be fumbling with a list of gifts in the middle of a crowded shopping complex while your intended target gifts go flying off of the shelves.

3. The details of your mission

Print off your list and set this aside along with a pen to take notes. If you aren't able to find a gift at the intended department store or the correct size or style isn't available, write this on your list. Now is not the time to crowd your mind with mental checklists, you need to concentrate your brainpower on speed and efficiency while avoiding the pitfalls of lines, crowds, and mobs. Along with your shopping list, include an envelope that will be used to store your coupons and flyers as well as a central repository for your receipts. Don't scatter your receipts haphazardly in your wallet or purse, keep them organized in the envelope.

4. Finances

The time to check your credit card balance is not while you are standing at the front of the line attempting to purchase that flat screen television while 20 angry and impatient shoppers stand behind you. Take the time to check your credit/debit card balances and make a note of the available credit limit. Cross check this with your shopping list to insure that you have sufficient funds. Here are a few additional tips about arranging your finances in preparation of the big day.

Take two credit/debit cards, one MasterCard and one Visa card. Some stores take one or the other.

In the land of credit card network outages, cash is king so carry sufficient cash as a backup plan in case you encounter a store that is only accepting cash. I have been in the IT part of the credit/debit processing network business for a number of years and have seen my fair share of outages. The name "Black Friday" was first used by the credit card companies, not the retailers.

As a second contingency, bring along a checkbook so that you have a second option. As the demolition teams of the Navy Seals say, "Two is one and one is none."

Be sure that you locate your cash, credit cards and check book in safe and secure locations. I prefer to carry my wallet in my front pocket and my checkbook in the inside of my jacket. The malls and department stores will be teeming with mercenary pick-pockets looking for the easy targets of distracted shoppers for their prey. Awareness is your best defense.

5. Transportation

One quick note on transportation - fill up your gas tank the day before your trip. This is another potential delay that you can easily avoid. In some cases, this may require filling up your gas tank the day before Thanksgiving as your festivities may prevent you from accomplishing this task. Another item to remember is to always store bags in the trunk of your vehicle or under a blanket or cover in the back seat away from the prying eyes of would be thieves. Always remember to lock your vehicle.

6. Beans, bullets, band aids, and communications

It's the day after Thanksgiving and your stomach is waiting for the second serving of turkey and stuffing that you gorged yourself on the day before. You're out, about, and active so your stomach is going to grumble. You're engaged in physical activity so you're going to get thirsty and you may even be wounded in battle. Avoid becoming a casualty of war by preparing yourself with a quick response kit.

§ Pack a charged cell phone to communicate with other team members of your patrol or to check in with home base.

§ Bring along a bottle of juice, water or sports drink to keep you hydrated

§ Pack some high energy snacks such as granola, trail mix, or even peanut M&M's for a quick boost of energy and a peace offering to your rumbling stomach.

§ Bring a pocket first aid kit including some mole skin for blisters, a few small band aids, some aspirin, and some Pepto tablets (maybe the turkey tasted a little "fishy" yesterday).

§ One or two paper toilet seat covers come in handy as well.

§ When power shopping with my wife, I bring along a three inch piece of garden hose that I cut down one side. I use this to cradle the shopping bag handles in to avoid loss of circulation to my fingers - especially from those rope like handles on the "fancier" shopping bags.

7. Battle dress uniform

The big day has arrived and you are preparing to embark on a potential battle zone, not a French fashion show so dress appropriately for the occasion. The Chinese have a saying that "Form follows function" and now is the time to abide by it - besides, even if you happen to encounter someone that you know (an alley) they're going to understand the situation and probably be too concerned with hiking across the mall to the next department store anyway. I prefer the jungle boots, poplar camouflage fatigues, and canteens and deuce gear of my Marine Corps days, but here are a few tips for choosing your very own battle dress uniform.

8. Footwear

§ Fist and foremost, make sure that it is comfortable. High heels are difficult to maneuver in and open toes will result in smashed toes.

§ Lightweight footwear will pay off if the fight goes into the later rounds.

§ Depending on the weather conditions, you need to consider waterproof footwear.

§ I prefer my hiking boots on a day like this. Sure they're ugly and they smell funny, but they are comfortable, light weight, broken in and the smell helps keep people away from me.

§ I also like to use my hiking socks as they are padded and wick moisture away from my skin. The additional smell adds to the already present people repellent effects of my boots.

9. Clothing

§ Wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather as well as your shopping conditions. No need to wear an Alaskan parka for the five minute walk from the car to the entrance of the mall, but if you're store hopping in a car or outdoor strip mall you may want to add a few layers. Make sure it allows freedom of movement and that it's not too bulky.

§ Layer clothing so that you can adjust as the day starts to warm up.

§ I try not to bring any loose items that I'll have to hang onto such as scarves, hats or gloves. Pockets work for the few minutes that I'll be out in the cold and I zip up my jacket in lieu of a scarf.

§ Purses require some consideration as they will store your equipment and checklists but shouldn't be overly bulky. They should have a thick shoulder strap and should be carried under the arm to deter thieves. The pockets and compartments should always be completely closed to avoid the sticky fingers of pick-pockets.

10. Final preparation

Prepare yourself physically and mentally for the day ahead by getting a good night's sleep. Set your alarm and allow yourself enough time for a healthy breakfast before arriving at the store early. Be sure to hydrate yourself as you will be exerting energy and perspiring as you lug around the additional baggage.

For men and women alike, be aware of your surroundings, be aware of who and what is around you, and protect your purse and valuables at all times. Trust your instincts - if something doesn't feel right than it probably isn't. Take a few precautions to ensure that you survive the day after Thanksgiving holiday shopping season because after all, it can be a war out there.