Tips for Having an Amazing Black Friday

It's the most wonderful time of the year! I truly love this season, though I recognize it can be frustrating. There's so much to do with the baking, Christmas cards, cooking, entertaining, and of course gift buying. The gift buying alone can quickly break the bank and fray your nerves if you let it. I have found that Black Friday can be very helpful in saving money, but it can also send you into holiday meltdown if you're not prepared for this shopping day. The day after Thanksgiving is full of all the very best savings out there, but I will forewarn the novice that it's mass chaos for the unprepared. I have been going with my mom for five years now and we have developed a routine that not only works for us, but that we've passed on successfully to others. Here are a few tips of the trade from one bargain hunter to another:

*Go early! I'm not overexaggerating when I say get to the stores early. You will definitely run into crowds as others are out for bargains just like you. However if you can get yourself out of bed in the name of a good bargain, then it's totally worth it. We typically get to the stores no later than 6am and it's well worth it! If you get to the stores too late, you will actually see them taking down the signs for the early bird sales--and it can really be deflating to see what you missed out on. It's one day of the year and well worth the early wake up call!

*Pack your patience, you'll need it. Getting frustrated or angry over long lines and sometimes rude people isn't going to change the situation and will only get your blood pressure up. Just know that this day of savings will bring elements that are less than desirable, but it's worth it it you can tolerate it. Black Friday is definitely not for everyone, but if you can be patient and go in with an open mind about what you will likely encounter you'll be happy at the tail end.

*Go in with a plan. Browsing is not a wise option on this day as you'll get nothing accomplished. Black Friday is for the experienced shopper who knows who she has to buy for, has some ideas of gifts she wants to buy, and what stores she wants to go to. My mom and I have developed an annual routine comprised of which stores we want to hit, who we plan on buying for, and how we can attack each location. Use the system of having one of you stand in line while the other picks up a few additional items, these things can come in handy.

*Go in with realistic expectations. If you think that you'll beat the lines, you are likely wrong. Everyone else wants a good bargain too, so they are willing to brave the elements just like you. If you go in knowing that the lines will be long and there will be a lot of people then you won't be frustrated when it actually happens.

*Have fun with it! You are going to come across some excellent bargains and hopefully cross some names off of your list. You may even find a cute item for yourself in the process! Enjoy it, this is the official kick off of the Christmas season, so try to have fun.

Black Friday can be an amazing time fo savings! If you go in prepared and are patient, you will likely get some great Christmas presents and save a ton of money in the process.