Happy Black Friday From San Diego Moms Blog!
Black Friday. Oh, man. Those two words get me excited and scared all at the same time. It’s the one day that gets everyone hyped up for the best deals possible for the holiday season. Typically, it starts with that early morning midnight group gathering in long lines, waiting for the store to open that you could count on seeing as you drive home from your Thanksgiving dinners.
Growing up, that used to be one of my favorite things, people watch. There used to be a Circuit City we would pass on the way home from Grandma’s and there was always a line clear around the store. I used to chuckle. What kind of crazies crawled out from their turkey slumber to brave the cold and the dark, for potentially 20% off a “Zach Morris” phone?! But I get it. Now that I’m grown up with a family of my own I understand the appeal. There are some deals you just can’t look away from. It’s like the mommy honing device for good stuff on the cheap turned on and it won’t go away until optimum target has been achieved!
I’ll admit, I’ve only stepped out on this infamous ‘holiday’ a few times in my life, but I’ve learned some things being on the outside as I’ve experienced each attempt to shop. And the truth is, I am SO out of my league. I mean, if this was an actual sport, then I’m the rookie. There are seasoned athlete shoppers out there folks! Like, I-will-side-swipe-you-for-that-discounted-George-Foreman-college-griller-but-not-before-I-shout-Merry-Christmas-at-you-to-throw-you-off-of-your-defenses kind of shopper. Yes, it’s true! And, even though times have changed, stores have relocated, and even the rules of what starts a Black Friday have bent a bit, you’re always bound to run into at least one (AT LEAST ONE) overly enthusiastic shopper.
I’ve put together a few samples of people that can be witnessed on this fearless day. All in jest and in hope it brings a smile to your face while you get ready to celebrate the holidays:
The Door Buster
She’s among the first in line of every store because she meticulously mapped out all the opening times so she can nab those promotional freebies. Doesn’t matter if she’s the last of the first one hundred either. She’s getting that paperweight snow globe. It’s going in someone’s stocking, doesn’t matter whose. Probably yours. She even has a printed-out list of all the appliances with the instant rebates, priced by each store so she has options. She can even tell you the manufacturer’s warranty rules so you’ll know which item will get you the most bang-for-buck. This woman puts extreme couponers in check.
The Buoy
Shout out to all my spouses who are just along for the ride! They’re ones who say they’ll come along to keep you company, but really just hang out in the food court. The ones who eventually find themselves losing each limb slowly to their partner who runs back and forth with shopping bags shouting, “Can you hold this – Be right back!” The ones who suddenly realize the magnitude of people running around the plaza screaming, “Babe! Babe, where are you?” To those lost souls who start backing themselves into the same singular corner to keep out of sight. The ones that start to bob around with that lost look in their eyes. You know the one. The, I-have-no-idea-what-I-truly-got-myself-into-is-this-anxiety-that-I’m-feeling-or-is-this-numbness-really-just-my-right-arm-falling-off-from-holding-these-bags?! You guys rock – way to keep it afloat!
The Seven Dwarf Effect
You’ve seen them all, I guarantee it. It’s the moods of our little shoppers-in-training. The ones who participate involuntarily because we parents have nowhere to leave them on this adventure, so they come in tow. They can be running around from all the excitement of getting to stay up late and being outside, and then at the drop of a hat turn into one of the biggest bullies you’ll ever encounter in your shopping days! The concept of hurry can get lost with our wee ones. The magic of Christmas decorations and music will turn them into mini detectives seeking out Santa! They’ll be moseying around in housewares while you pull your hair out looking for them in the shoe department. Happy, Sleepy, Dopey, Sneezy, Grumpy…you get it. Hang in there, mamma, it’s just one day! And if you’re on the witnessing side of it all, give them some grace!
And last, but certainly not least…
The Scavenger
This shopper came with one plan, and ONLY one plan, to hunt and conquer. You never know when they’ll strike, either. That last angora sweater you’ve been eyeballing on the end-cap of the aisle, don’t even bother. Instead, wave buh-bye as they swoop down to snatch it and run off before you can even look at it up close. It’s not even their size and they can’t stand the color, but for $7 it’ll be theirs. They may even rip it out of the bag once out of the store and put it on. Like a trophy and a warning to other shoppers that they mean business. Don’t get discouraged though. I’ve seen many tactical maneuvers to get around these types. Always carry an item you’re willing to part with. They’ll figure it’s an admission of defeat when you lay it on the table next to them to ogle. The perfect distraction while you snatch what you really want and run to that check-out line!
Be safe, have fun and enjoy your shopping today!
Don’t forget to post a photo of your great finds and tag us–let’s have fun celebrating our Black Friday adventures!
