The unofficial national shopping day.

Back in the day, stores opened early on FRIDAY.  People lined up to get the great deals.

Then, stores started opening at midnight Thanksgiving, then 10 pm.  Soon, they started opening at 4pm.  

I have to admit, for the last several years I did go out on Thanksgiving night.  And I really enjoyed it.  It was something to leave a mall at midnight and be wide awake.  

The adrenaline soared in me.  I have been known to get home at midnight and be back out at 4 am.  Back home before everyone woke up.  Yep.  I’m that mom.  It is actually something I would look forward to.  

The Santa feeling was not lost on me. Quietly entering the house, hiding gifts wherever I could. Laying down for a winter’s nap, content and happy with the deals I scored.

However, in the last couple of years.  It lost its lustre.  The deals aren’t that great.  And I feel for the employees who lose part of their Thanksgiving.

Back when the girls were little.  I didn’t do the Black Friday thing.  Not sure why.  I started doing that when they were in grade school. 

Instead, we would go to a painting studio and paint gifts for the grandparents.  Usually ornaments.  Sometimes coffee mugs. But usually ornaments.  

It was a fun way to usher in the season. Time together as a family.  The Holiday season gets so crazed that it’s nice to slow down.  Explore the wonder of the season.  Spend time with the greatest gift of all…family.

Check out your local pottery places.  Because of COVID, you do need to make reservations.  But many offer pottery pieces you can pick up and paint at home.   They have everything from ornaments to mugs to Cookies for Santa plates.  That sounds like a fun activity in addition to trimming the tree and baking cookies.

Have a maker weekend!