As my regular readers know, I'm not much of one for Black Friday  shoppng. Most of Christmas shopping is done already, plus I'm not really one to get up at an absurd hour to spend time in the crazed crowds. I'll make a quick stop at a craft store (at a reasonable hour — like 9 a.m.) and then spend the rest of the day eating soup, watching movies, crafting, and reading.

But, for those of you who do enjoy Black Friday shopping, here are some hints:

• Have a plan. Make sure you grab a newspaper on Thursday since it will be full of ads and special coupons.  Between turkey bastes, you can scan the ads and decide which stores you want to visit.  Make sure that you read the small print in the ads.  Some stores may have only one or two of an item at the sale price. Decide what your priorities are and hit the top priority first, working your way down the list.  Expect large crowds and long lines
• Fill an envelope with any coupons you will need.  Put the envelope in a fanny pack (you’ll want both hands free) along with the cash or credit cards you plan to use, photo ID, your keys, and some chocolate (it's a long day).  You don't want to be searching for things in the wee hours.
• I just tear the ads out of the circulars (writing the store name on the ad.)  That way, I know exactly what make and model is on sale and if there are only limited quantities available.  If I can't find something, I can just show the ad to the store staff and they know where to send me.

• Wear layers.  Crowded      stores get very hot.  If you won't have to wait outside, consider      leaving your coat in the car.  It will make for easier movement and      less chance of overheating.
• If a crowd makes you feel      uncomfortable or unsafe, get out.  No 99 cent mp3 player is worth an      injury.  (The emergency room co-pay will completely obliterate your      svaings.)
• Remember, nothing is a good      deal if it isn't something you need.  Inexpensive trash is still      trash!
• Eat breakfast before you      go.  You don't want to face crowds on an empty stomach.

Take extra patience.  No gift is worth getting hurt over or hurting someone else.  There will be another gift. Gift-giving should be filled with joy, not hand-to-hand combat.