38 replies to this topic

[stewarta4]

I’m not trying to be “that” person or rain on anyone’s parade...but for some reason I’m just not as excited about BF this year as I have been in years past. I used to check several times a day for new ads but all I’ve even glanced at this year is Kohl’s. I need to get myself out of this BF funk! 🤯 I’m thinking I might stay in and do my shopping online this year! Anyone else feeling this way?

[jesusluvu]

I undertand and have been there too, but we have to shake it and enjoy the holiday season. BF is just a bonus but the reason for the seasons is what we should focus on. Life has a way of sucking the joy out of you so I decided a long time ago to make sure I put joy in and around me everyday. I choose to be in the moment and happy. So even if you decide to shop online at least make sure you enjoy the holiday.

[MariahA]

I'm excited for the holidays but shopping not so much. My budget had to get slashed, and I'm probably just doing Walmart because we actually NEED new pillows. I went from having almost $300 to spend to $100 on the high end.

[Tara3117]

I'm missing my BF buddy this year as she is going to Germany for her daughter's tap competition. I'm saying that I might not go out, but I think we all know that I'll probably hit up a few stores.

[Elmck]

Most of my kids live in other states and are not coming for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas traditions are also changing. The blessings are there but changes are hard. I have decided to find a few things to do each coming year no matter who is doing what.

[tracy0504]

I don't have the budget I wanted this year, but I am still going to make the most of it!!!! It's about the spirit of Christmas for me and the joy I can spread to others...

[cab0ad]

As my kids are getting older it seems less exciting. All my kids really want is clothes. No toys or electronics. Don't really have the thrill of the chase looking at clothes. Those are easy to get.

[jesusluvu]

As my kids are getting older it seems less exciting. All my kids really want is clothes. No toys or electronics. Don't really have the thrill of the chase looking at clothes. Those are easy to get.

I agree 100%.... It is nothing like searching for a toy and finally getting it a week before Christmas and to see there face when they open it. PRICELESS 

[rockpzazz]

I still love coming to the site, but I haven't looked at all the smaller ads like I usually do.  I saw Music & Arts ad was posted and realized "I'm good".  I'm still happy they got posted, but I guess since I don't have the budget I know I won't get anything much.  Plus a lot of the stores are nowhere near me or I've never ordered online from them.

 

I'm glad for the season to be here though, so its the shopping that I'm not getting into the mood for yet.  I know I'll still head to Walmart though and I'll have a blast.  I think as we draw closer, it will feel a lot more like every other year and I'll get into the mood.

[verchad]

I used to love the "hunt". but that was back when Black Friday was FRIDAY. Getting to the stores Friday morning, waiting for the doors to open. When JCP was doing Disney snow globes.

 

But now, the daughter is in college, a few relatives have passed away, and so many places start offering up BF deals online so far ahead of time. I'm more comfy now doing the little "Black Friday" shopping that I do now, not freezing my behind off, not fighting for parking, not running from store to store. I loved the look my daughter had when she was little, opening her next snow globe to add to her collection, to get that American Girl doll, the  latest Harry Potter book and dvd.

 

Nowadays, outside of buying things for our daughter, my wife, and a few family gift exchange people, the list is much smaller. And frankly, as I've gotten older, I don't want or need as much stuff. The last few years whether it's Christmas or our anniversary, more and more, my wife and I decide to just get something we need for the house, or a weekend trip, a special concert. And as much as I like them, Lord knows I don't need another Star Wars or White Sox related item to collect dust.

 

Stepping of my soapbox as I yell those kids to get off my lawn, :-)

[jesusluvu]

I used to love the "hunt". but that was back when Black Friday was FRIDAY. Getting to the stores Friday morning, waiting for the doors to open. When JCP was doing Disney snow globes.

 

But now, the daughter is in college, a few relatives have passed away, and so many places start offering up BF deals online so far ahead of time. I'm more comfy now doing the little "Black Friday" shopping that I do now, not freezing my behind off, not fighting for parking, not running from store to store. I loved the look my daughter had when she was little, opening her next snow globe to add to her collection, to get that American Girl doll, the  latest Harry Potter book and dvd.

 

Nowadays, outside of buying things for our daughter, my wife, and a few family gift exchange people, the list is much smaller. And frankly, as I've gotten older, I don't want or need as much stuff. The last few years whether it's Christmas or our anniversary, more and more, my wife and I decide to just get something we need for the house, or a weekend trip, a special concert. And as much as I like them, Lord knows I don't need another Star Wars or White Sox related item to collect dust.

 

Stepping of my soapbox as I yell those kids to get off my lawn, :-)

Yes the early morning get ups or overnight camp outs. Trading places to use the bathroom and eating cold turkey sandwich....good ole days

[stevierocks]

it seems the actual black friday shopping has diminished a lot the last couple years. .. but there is still shopping to be done and going out thanksgiving night after spending the day with family (in my case sometimes going out with the family) and this year since i can not drive due to a medical issue i will be relying on others , but will still be doing plenty in store and on line.  hoping to get te feeling of the shopping bug for BF

[budgetsRsexy]

Maybe try to change things up a little and see if that helps create some excitement for BF/the holidays. Figure out what made it so special/exciting in the past and take that idea and come at it from a different angle so to speak.

Gift giving has evolved over the years in my family. One year we didn’t do presents at all which really threw me for a loop. I had to change gears and adapt my BF and holiday traditions so that it still felt like the holidays but with a twist. Even though I didn’t have any presents to buy that year I still went out on BF with my dad (my usual BF shopping buddy) and we played a game of BF related scavenger hunt/bingo hybrid. Whoever lost the game bought breakfast that morning. It kept the going out on BF with my dad part of the tradition alive even though the shopping part changed drastically (we might pick up one or two things along the way for ourselves or household items but that’s it). And that Christmas morning instead of spending it together unwrapping presents we spent it together enjoying a huge family breakfast (before we didn’t really eat breakfast Christmas morning). It was the being together part and making memories that mattered most, we just had to come up with a slightly new way to do it.

[mgreen]

I go in and out depending on what's going on. Way back we needed a lot of things so it was more fun. Then a few years we didn't "need" anything, wasn't as fun. This year I actually need to buy items to furnish a room addition (new tv, etc.), so this year seems funner. I think I am not wasting money, shopping for things I need. Of course, still want to go see the BF Crazies!!!

[stewarta4]

I think what it comes down to is the fact that we don’t NEED anything, which is actually something to be thankful for. We are however in the process of adopting an 11 year old boy, so I’m hoping we can figure out a list of wants/needs for him and that can rekindle my BF excitement! Maybe I’ll start an online shopping party tradition this year—invite some family and friends over to shop online, watch movies, and have left overs

[freesia39]

I think what it comes down to is the fact that we don’t NEED anything, which is actually something to be thankful for. We are however in the process of adopting an 11 year old boy, so I’m hoping we can figure out a list of wants/needs for him and that can rekindle my BF excitement! Maybe I’ll start an online shopping party tradition this year—invite some family and friends over to shop online, watch movies, and have left overs

I hope the adoption process goes smoothly for you! I know it can be difficult.

[berry1014]

I will still be going out although I do not buy as mush as we used too. The kids are older so their wants/need have changed plus found some great sales earlier in the year so a big part of the gifts have already been bought.

[angelbabymommy]

I honestly get where you’re coming from! Like PPs have said with kids getting older and either doing their own thing or not wanting “smaller” things, it gets hard especially with BF not being how it used to be. But, I, too have decided that I still love the holidays and will always make the best of it. I do t always have the budget, but again, I make the best of it. Seeing the joy on others’ face when they receive is the best. If you make the choice to get out of it...you will. Throw on some Christmas music or a Christmas movie and enjoy the magic of the season. You won’t be down for long 🤗

[tracy0504]

I honestly get where you’re coming from! Like PPs have said with kids getting older and either doing their own thing or not wanting “smaller” things, it gets hard especially with BF not being how it used to be. But, I, too have decided that I still love the holidays and will always make the best of it. I do t always have the budget, but again, I make the best of it. Seeing the joy on others’ face when they receive is the best. If you make the choice to get out of it...you will. Throw on some Christmas music or a Christmas movie and enjoy the magic of the season. You won’t be down for long

I agree with this %... There were years I've had more than enough funds to shop til I dropped and other years, like this year, where funds were very limited, but every year, I went out amongst the crowds and took it all in knowing that I would bring joy to someone for Christmas ...even if I only get something for me

[cinnamon16201]

I'm having the same feelings.  I had major surgery a month ago and still not feeling up to par so maybe that's what is causing the funk  DD is having a baby in a couple of weeks, but it will be too small to really enjoy with her.  We are giving them one large furniture purchase so that's that.  Only other person is DH and I'm sending him on a trip he has wanted for a long time, so not much for him either.  So I really won't be doing much shopping at all except for a few DVDs and my Norton subscription.  Not much at all.  Hope I can get more in the spirit in time to decorate.

[pooks]

Ditto. It’s just not the same, like it used to be

[len_mullen]

Christmas was never better than when our kids were young.  I never slept Christmas Eve -- assembling this, wrapping that, and drinking...Christmas cheer.  My kids are grown, my wife has passed, and things are a lot different.  I have a lot of the things I used to stand in line for.  I don't need much at all.  I rarely stand in line.  Despite all of this, I am 'into it' more this year than I have been in a decade.  I can't explain it, but I will be in the stores even if I don't have a shopping list.

 

I content myself to vicariously share in the joy of young families.  Christmas cheer is not achieved at the cash register.  If you are not enjoying BF as a consumer, shut off your computer and walk around the stores.  Enjoy the decorations.  Watch the kids with Santa.  Remember how it was.

 

Clicking stuff on a computer is not the same as shopping at a B&M.  Get out and enjoy the holidays with other people.

[nirvana4all]

I have most of what I want /need, but this 5pm Thursday crap needs to stop. It's BLACK FRIDAY, see that last word, FRIDAY!, OK rant over.

[jewleyp]

I will always love the concept of Black Friday. I also miss the way it was in the olden days when it seemed like it was a secret club that not everyone knew about. But I also now have my tradition of getting up at 1a on thanksgiving day to start my online. I am lucky to have a good case of FOMO so that keeps the trill alive

[momlori]

I am in the same boat.  Just doing stockings for the whole family this year and it seems like it is too soon for BF

[jesusluvu]

Christmas was never better than when our kids were young.  I never slept Christmas Eve -- assembling this, wrapping that, and drinking...Christmas cheer.  My kids are grown, my wife has passed, and things are a lot different.  I have a lot of the things I used to stand in line for.  I don't need much at all.  I rarely stand in line.  Despite all of this, I am 'into it' more this year than I have been in a decade.  I can't explain it, but I will be in the stores even if I don't have a shopping list.

 

I content myself to vicariously share in the joy of young families.  Christmas cheer is not achieved at the cash register.  If you are not enjoying BF as a consumer, shut off your computer and walk around the stores.  Enjoy the decorations.  Watch the kids with Santa.  Remember how it was.

 

Clicking stuff on a computer is not the same as shopping at a B&M.  Get out and enjoy the holidays with other people.

Well said 

[cllehto]

It's not as exciting when the kids get older

[ShoppingChick13]

I’m not as in to Black Friday this year either.

I’m totally in to Christmas! We’ve gotten snow quite a few times this autumn, so I started watching Lifetime Christmas movies! (Interestingly, I rarely watched them before this year.) I have my Christmas shopping list ready. We’re planning a Christmas party. I’m excited my town has started putting up Christmas lights. I’ve purchased 3 holiday mugs already! And I just had my first Starbucks holiday drink.

Black Friday? Meh. It’s not the same. Black Friday is practically the entire month now, and not in a good way. I’m not stoked on the ads I’ve seen. Waiting on two more (Sephora and Ulta.) My Christmas list is not really based on anything from the ads. Just waiting to see ULTA’s fragrance GWP. It’s currently candles. Blah. Hoping for a bathrobe.

I was never a get up at 1 am to go to the stores person. I like my warm cozy bed too much. I was however, a eagerly wait for the ads, checking my email and this site often, compile my list, compare the prices, then go out around 7-8 am person. In my area I had good luck doing this and didn’t miss out on my wants.

This year I may stop in Target to see if there’s any stocking stuffers I want. I’ll shop local too. Hopefully Ulta and Sephora will have some stuff for gifts, and myself. Then I’ll probably take myself to lunch, then go home and pull out our Christmas decorations. Ya know, sounds like it’ll be a lovely day.

[krissy72]

This will be my first year without my daughter on Christmas morning. She will be coming later in the day. I'm trying to find new ideas and traditions for Christmas Eve and morning. If anyone has any ideas, let me know

Most of my kids live in other states and are not coming for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas traditions are also changing. The blessings are there but changes are hard. I have decided to find a few things to do each coming year no matter who is doing what.

[mcwalker]

I'm excited for the holidays but shopping not so much. My budget had to get slashed, and I'm probably just doing Walmart because we actually NEED new pillows. I went from having almost $300 to spend to $100 on the high end.

Regarding those pillows, if you have a Macy's nearby, you can get one for free after $10 mail-in rebate (see ad page 1).  Just don't forget to submit the rebate form and receipt.  It is one per household this year, but if you team up with someone with another address, you can get more than one if you buy and submit each separately.