As we move through the year and get closer to the #Holidays my mind has been remind me of things I used to do with Suzzane which I miss. When she was little Black Friday was more than shopping it gave me the opportunity to purchase Gifts for her I might not have been able to afford otherwise.

When Suzzane and my nephew David M. was little my sister and I used to get up early on Black Friday because we liked to go get all the specials they used to give out. Back before the Dinosaurs roamed the face of the Earth as Charlie likes to say. Especially at JCPenney’s.

They would give out little gifts and things, and we thought that was part of the fun. As time moved on, the kids grew up and they didn’t want to do Black Friday anymore. My sister started working, and David and I ended up together, and he was not so much a Black Friday kind of guy.

Although, one time I was with Charlie, and I sent him to Black Friday shopping at Walmart. That was the one and only time he said he would ever go. Laughing out loud. But you really can get some good deals if you shop on Black Friday. I was able to score Suzanne a TV one time and a VCR for the price of a TV at Best Buy. Yes, Best Buy!

So when you’re thinking about Black Friday, remember that it’s not always about the shopping.

Sometimes it’s about the memories. My sister and I would stop and get everybody hot chocolate and donuts, and then we’d go stand in line for hours to get inside a store. And more times than not, it would be freezing cold. The kids would be hollering, “I’m bored!” or “I’m cold!” or “I’m hungry!” But somehow, we still had fun. Those are the things I remember now.

I don’t remember every single thing we bought. I remember getting up early with my sister. I remember the hot chocolate and donuts. I remember standing outside in the cold. I remember the kids complaining. And I remember the excitement when we finally got inside the store.

That’s why I wanted to put together some quick Black Friday tips, especially if you’re taking the kids with you. Because if you’re going shopping on Black Friday, a little preparation can make the day a whole lot easier.

Black Friday Shopping Checklist: Before You Leave Home

Make a list.- Know what you’re looking for before you head out. Black Friday has a way of making you think you need things you didn’t even know existed! Check the deals ahead of time.; Look at the ads, compare prices, and see whether the deal is available in the store, online, or both. Set a budget.: It is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a sale. Decide what you’re comfortable spending before you leave. Check the store hours.: You don’t want to arrive somewhere only to discover they don’t open until later. Charge your phone.: You’re going to want that phone for shopping lists, store apps, coupons, directions, taking pictures, and probably texting somebody who is looking for you. This is one of those little things that can make your morning so much easier. The last thing you want to do when you’re trying to get to a Black Friday sale is stop for gas. If You’re Taking the Kids: Pack snacks. Kids can go from “I’m fine” to “I’m starving!” in about five minutes. Pack something easy they can eat while you’re out. Bring drinks: Especially if you’re going to be gone for several hours. Pack a few small toys.: If you have to stand in line, having a couple of small toys or activities can give the kids something to do while you’re waiting. Bring a tablet if your kids are allowed to have one: A charged tablet can make a long wait in line a whole lot easier. Just remember to charge it before you leave home. Bring wet wipes: Trust me on this one. You never know when you’re going to need to wipe somebody’s hands or face. Somebody is going to eat something. Somebody is going to touch something they probably shouldn’t have touched. And somebody will probably end up with something on their face. That’s just life with kids. Bring tissues and hand sanitizer.: Black Friday means lots of people, lots of shopping carts, and lots of hands touching things. Dress the kids for the weather.: If you’re going to be standing outside waiting to get into a store, make sure everyone is dressed appropriately. Those early Black Friday mornings can be cold. But dress in layers because by the end of the day it could get hot because in Texas the Weather can and will change on a dime. Give the kids something to look forward to.: Maybe it’s breakfast afterward, a special treat, or letting them pick out something small. It doesn’t have to be expensive. Take Care of Yourself, Too; Don’t forget that you’re going to be walking, standing, carrying bags, and dealing with crowds. Wear comfortable shoes. You may be standing in line a whole lot longer than you planned. Take a break if you need one.: If everybody is tired, hungry, and cranky, sometimes the best thing you can do is stop for a little while. And don’t forget the hot chocolate and donuts. That was always part of the fun for my sister and me. Don’t Forget the Memories Take pictures; Laugh when things don’t go exactly as planned.

Let the kids complain a little. You don’t have to make the whole day perfect. Because years from now, you may not remember what was on sale. You may not remember how much you saved. You may not even remember everything you bought. But you might remember standing outside in the freezing cold with your sister, a cup of hot chocolate in your hand, donuts in the car, and the kids complaining that they were bored or they have to pee or there hungry.

You might remember the excitement of finally getting inside the store. You might remember finding that one special deal you had been looking for. And you might remember the people you were with. That’s what Black Friday means to me now. It isn’t just about getting up early and finding the best deal. It isn’t just about crowded stores and long lines. It isn’t even really about shopping.

Black Friday is about the memories you make along the way. So if you’re heading out this Black Friday, make your list, check your deals, fill up the car, charge the phones, pack the snacks, grab the wet wipes, and make sure the kids have something to do while you’re standing in line. And don’t forget to have a little fun.

Because one day, those kids may grow up. They may not want to go Black Friday shopping with you anymore. And you may find yourself looking back and wishing you could have just one more morning of hot chocolate, donuts, cold weather, long lines, and somebody saying… “I’m bored!” And believe it or not, you may miss it. Because Black Friday is more than shopping. It’s about making memories.

If your lucky to have another adult with you split the shopping list in two and if you have more than one child let each adult take one of the children to help you with your shopping. Set a time and place to meet and make sure your phones are charged because unexpected things can happen and you may need to get ahold of each other.

Now, I have a question for you. Have you ever gone #BlackFridayShopping? Do you have any tips you can share with us? Or what was the best sale you ever found on Black Friday and why? Or what would you like to find at a Black Friday sale and at which store and why?

Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.

GreatfulMoments.com

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates