Black Friday, Cyber Monday

Black Friday is traditionally the kick start of the holiday season, and for me, its the day that I brave the crowded malls in search of great bargains on the big ticket items on my holiday shopping list.  Over the past few years, I've saved big bucks by buying items such as iPods, Wii Consoles and Laptops at the door buster prices that can only be found on Black Friday.

This year however, my Thanksgiving was spent differently to most others.   Instead of cooking my usual Bobby Flay Thanksgiving Menu (sorry Bobby) we decided to take a mini vacation, and get away from it all for some much needed family time.

It wasn't until driving home today as we weaved our way through our community (by this point already fully decorated and  adorned with evidence of 'tis the season to be jolly') that I realized  for the first time in years, I hadn't spent my Thanksgiving Weekend holiday shopping.  My panic was only momentary until I remembered the second crazy retail day of the season, Cyber Monday, the day in which not only are the prices insanely discounted, you also get to shop from the comfort of home, without the chaotic crowds, rude shoppers and incredibly long queues.

So, it seems, at least for this year, it was possible to have my cake - and eat it too.

I hope you all had a wonderful thanksgiving.

Black Friday: The quest for bargains

"Black Friday" originates from the phrase that the Philadelphia Police Department coined in 1966 to describe the overcrowded sidewalks and downtown stores in the city center the day after Thanksgiving, when the Christmas Shopping Season officially opened, and retailers offered sensational deals to lure shoppers into their stores, to kick start their holiday shopping.

Others say that "Black Friday" originates from retailers going from "in the red" to "in the black" once sales (and profits) increased at  the holiday shopping seasons arrival.
Regardless of its true meaning and origin, Black Friday has certainly come a long way since then and is now marketed by retailers all around the world, and has fast become the busiest day of the year for retailers.  Most retailer open as early as 5:00 am on Black Friday to accommodate the increased volume of shoppers, and  Black Friday is so popular for bargain hunters that many people actually queue up outside retail stores for hours prior to opening time, just to be one of the first through the door to snap up the best bargains.

But there are easier ways to get your Black Friday bargains than fighting the traffic (and shoppers) in your quest for the seasons must-have products at bargain prices.  Most major retailers advertise the same in-store Black Friday deals on their website from just after midnight on Thanksgiving, so you can shop from the comfort of your home and still enjoy  the same bargains.  Although you do  incur additional fees for shipping and handling when you shop online, most people would agree it's a small price to pay for convenience and for not having to deal with the hassles of the busiest day in retail.
Retailers also advertise additional holiday savings on Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, when even more sales are advertised for online purchase only.  Cyber Monday offers just as many great deals as Black Friday, but without the long queues, and most retailers start the online sale at 12:01 am on Cyber Monday.

A word of advice iff your planning on snapping up bargains on Cyber Monday, make sure you have your credit card ready.  Most of the hottest bargains get sold out within minutes of the sale opening, so to be sure you get that bargain of a lifetime, make sure you check out your online shopping cart fast.