When I look at Black Friday today, it is so different than back in the day when I participated. I did my first Black Friday outing when I was in my late teens. After my kids were born, we made it a rule that no kids under sixteen were allowed to go because it was Mom's day out!
All the women that were able to go would meet at my mom's house. We would all pile into a car (or two) and head to the Chicago area malls. We would be there when they opened, which back then was around eight. We'd have our lists in hand, and our plan of attack. Sometimes we'd split up into groups of two, sometimes not. We'd always choose a lunch spot and have a fabulous lunch. We would shop all day long. By the time we were finished, the trunk would be so full that sometimes we'd have to bring bags in the car and hold them on our laps. I would actually get about 90% of my shopping done on that day.
Back then, there was no midnight shopping and there were very few big box stores because it was all about the malls. Oh how things have changed!
It's been a very long time since we practiced that annual ritual. Mainly because of jobs, plus my parents age, etc. Unfortunately some of the lady family members have also passed. Now I spend Black Friday shopping at my computer, and decorating my house. But I look back on those days and I sure do miss them.