<p>Absolutely nothing!! Don’t participate at all in this crazy gift-buying scenario. Being Jewish helps despite the media and retailers trying to turn Chanukah into Christmas for Jews—when I was a kid, this was a minor holiday and you received a token gift such as $1.00 bill, a new pencil case or at best, a book or a puzzle. When my kids were little, I did buy them Chanukah gifts, one night a book, one night a puzzle, one night a board game… that was about it.</p>
<p>We grew up similarly, bookmama22. Chanukah was a minor holiday when I was a child; when my kids were younger and wanted a gift on each night, there were nights they got a book, Matchbox cars, action figures, etc. Now they want gift cards, so no Black Friday shopping for me either.</p>
<p>Nothing. Did not even venture out of the house other than to pick a few fallen branches and weed a bit. I’m saving for the semi-annual designer bargains.</p>
<p>My dad needs a new computer, and I have no plans to be in our hometown again for at least 8 months. I arrived at 10 pm on Wednesday, so really our only option was to shop on Black Friday so I would have time to set it up. I spent the rest of the weekend (til now) setting the darned thing up. Except for a brief respite to go buy my mom an new cell phone, because she lost the one I gave her for Christmas last year. :(</p>
<p>Let it be known that Microsoft has finally driven me away… after this experience with setting up a laptop with Windows 8, I am replacing my old laptop with a Mac. Windows 8 is truly crappy operating system… designed for tablets and touchscreens, AWFUL for laptops/desktops. Steve Jobs is snickering as he looks down at this debacle – it will send many customers who have been holding onto the Windows side into Apple’s arms.</p>
<p>Nothing. </p>
<p>We are in need of a new TV but, much as I would like a deal on a big screen, I was still not tempted to face the Black Friday craziness.</p>
<p>One dilemma we have is that we have a beautiful Oak TV cabinet that also has glass fronted display bits at the sides and across the top but will not fit a big wide screen TV. The TV compartment was huge by the standards at the time we bought the cabinet. Not sure what to do with the cabinet if we get a nice big TV.</p>
<p>nothing!! We LOVE staying home and watching football. I hate how Thanksgiving is being eclipsed by shopping.</p>
<p>intparent, hope the windows 8 doesn’t do us in at Christmas.
Bought an Acer V5 from BestBuy yesterday, $529 special.
DD is 23 with special needs. Her existing desktop is 9 yrs old plus.
I am hoping the touchscreen on the Acer will thrill her as much as I think it will.</p>
<p>Mattress set for guest bedroom, and one gift for each son. We were the only shoppers in the mattress store, and the mall was surprisingly not too crowded. We did wait until noon to venture out.</p>
<p>I’ve only done the early shopping once (years ago) and wasn’t successful, so if I go at all, I wait until all the early-birds are home napping.</p>
<p>Nothing. Spent the morning walking the beach and then went out to lunch. Home to read, nap, and watch movies.</p>
<p>Nothing. I refuse to participate in this nonsense.</p>
<p>^But you were willing to participate in the thread about it… why? Do you not get enough opportunity to look down your nose at people IRL?</p>
<p>I would not consider black Friday is a nonsense. For many families with limited income, black Friday may help them to afford to buy something they want. Most of the black Friday items are not on the price highend.</p>
<p>I bought my mom a 19-inch HDTV for a little over $100; my parents still have those CRT TVs in their house (and refuse to let go, even though they barely work), and it was time for something better. I also bought myself 2 pairs of jeans and a shirt for around $50.</p>
<p>I went sightseeing with relatives in the city we were visiting. I tried to convince them that Ikea is a sight to see but they weren’t having any.</p>
<p>Not one darned thing.
Today, however, I have sat on my tush and cyber shopped. Great deals!</p>
<p>
You say that like it’s a bad thing ;).</p>
<p>Any good online TV deals anyone is aware of?</p>
<p>It’s hard to tell what is a good deal. It depends on the size, the capabilities,… They have a wide range.</p>
<p>Swimcatsmom, I think I’ll have a carpenter widen the cabinet, and make the edges to match.</p>
<p>I did great with shopping today; 3 hours and I’m practically done. Toys r us extended their Friday morning sale, and a nice saleswoman walked me thru the store, suggesting items. Gap had pj sets for $15.00. Penguin had t-shirts for 70% off. Then I went to 2 small business stores and used an Amex card at each, which will be a savings of $50.00. I think I did very well.</p>
<p>bought NOTHING on Black Friday! Headed down to the NJ Shore & volunteered in Union Beach w some cleanup. I will report they are in a bit of a lull down there. Most demo work is done, now they need electric & plumbing reconnected & inspected before they can start to rebuild.</p>
<p>Today, I took advantage of Small Business Saturday in my town and bought myself a nice bowl & display stand. Had them wrap it so my husband has 2 things to put under the tree for me! </p>
<p>I just can’t get in the holiday spirit this year with all the storm damage all around and still on the news every night. In addition, we have so much stuff, there’s very little we need.</p>