orangedaisy

I'm sorry for your loss. We just lost my stepfather rather suddenly too, he also had lung cancer that was diagnosed when it was at it's end stages (he refused to go to the hospital until he could no longer breathe.) He had been with my mom almost my entire life. He was so close to my boys...it will be so strange to have the holidays without him here. This thread is helpful in hearing about ways that people cope. Thanks to all that posted, this is a first for me and my family.

Statements like this do make it worth it.

I hit up a second person last night about switching, so I have two responses like this: "well...maybe...I'll get back to you". I guess it's better than nothing, there's a tiny bit of hope.

Added on myspace!

I am a nurse and I work night shift 7p-7a. I have to work on Christmas Eve this year to fulfill my holiday commitment. It's my most favorite time to spend with my family, and most of our traditions are carried out on Christmas eve. I'll have to leave by 6:15 pm to go to work. I have been looking for someone to switch with but so far, no luck. Anyone else have to work over the holiday?

My son makes it hard to shop too. Last year he just wanted cash to put towards a car. But I love to shop for my kids and couldn't stand the thought of not giving him any gifts, so I caved and bought him a few surprises. This year he has no idea what he wants yet.

Yes, we do stockings for everyone, even mom and dad. Last year my son asked why Santa left stuff for daddy's stocking but not mommy's. My husband was mortified...I do believe he'll be putting something in my stocking this year.

definitely Best Buy.

I go home and hide my stuff, then usually get on the computer to see if I can find any online deals still available. Then I crash, LOL.

I'll be going alone this year. I used to go with my sister but she's been getting on my nerves lately so I'm just going by my little old self! :)

Sometimes my sister or my hubby.

I think this is m 3rd Black Friday here on Gotta Deal.

I'm baaaaaaaaaack! So excited for the holiday season to start!

The robbery.... I can't believe it but then again I can. That is sick.

Target

I am raving about Target in a thread of my own but will add another thumbs up here as well! Incredible shopping experience this morning.

pnlcooper - great idea - I am on my way to the website now to give my input. BTW - the Target I went to was in Springfield, PA.

It is down - it says they are updating the site now.

Wonderful. Let the robbery begin.

Maybe the disorganized stores will catch on to Target's secret and improve for next year. I wonder if they are specifically trained to be so wonderful. LOL.

Except when you are dealing with totally rude, irrational people.

The vouchers and stamping could work IF there was someone constantly supervising. I know it sounds ridiculous to have to supervise a group of supposedly adult-like people, but as we all can see, it is absolutely necessary to keep things fair. The store should designate 2-4 people to supervise the lines as soon as they start - maybe security guards? I hate to hear that the employees said there was nothing they could do about cutting, etc. but lets face it, they most likely are not trained to deal with large, unruly crowds. If the store wants the business and wants people to come back next year, then they should take the responsibility of supervising the line. Unfortunately, there seem to be way more idiots in the world than there are fair, intelligent people.

The GBA at Walmart, BUT I got it at Target later for a much better deal! Yay me!

I'm glad you got what you wanted! :) Crazy stuff, huh?

I would skip Walmart altogether and go to Target first.