Spending

5 Things I Did On Black Friday Instead of Shopping

 

Today was the unofficial first day of the holiday shopping season, otherwise known as Black Friday. Many were out shopping very early this morning, or even last night braving large crowds in search of deep discounts. I wanted absolutely no part of it. It’s been years since I’ve participated in the spendathon known as Black Friday, and I don’t miss it at all. There are plenty of things I’d much rather do than go shopping on the day after Thanksgiving.

 

 

 

 

 

Here are 5 things I did on Black Friday instead of shopping:

Sleep In

Black Friday is a day off from my job. On a normal workday, I get up at 4:15 am to workout before all the usual daily responsibilities start to kick in. Staying up really late or getting up early to go shopping doesn’t seem nearly as attractive to me as does getting some extra sleep.

Working Out

Once I get a few extra hours of sleep, I’ll head to the gym for an extra long workout. Since I didn’t have to go to work, I can get some extra cardio and/or strength training.

Having Lunch With My Wife

During the work week, I don’t get to have lunch with my wife. Having a day off means her and I can enjoy lunch and some extra time together.

Projects Around The House

Living in the Midwest, a snowstorm could hit at any time this time of year. I haven’t gotten all my outdoor furniture put away yet, so a free afternoon gives me the time to get ready for the coming winter season.

Cook a Great Meal

The week is always so busy, many times our dinner is reduced to something we can make quickly. Since I’m not working on Black Friday, nor do I have to work the next day, it’s a perfect opportunity to take the time to make something wonderful.

Not only is Black Friday potentially a financial pitfall, causing people to buy things they don’t need, or poor quality products they think are bargains, but it’s also a time resource waster. Had I stayed up super late or got up really early to shop, the rest of my day would have been spent sleeping, or feeling tired and unmotivated. Instead, I had a fun day being productive and spending time with loved ones.

How did you spend your Black Friday?