Day after thanksgiving shopping

For several years I have stayed out all night in front of electronic stores for some major electronic item that we needed and found in some big door-buster Black Friday sale. I have had fun, usually being able to convince someone to stay out with me. A few years ago I even had my 2 year old camp out all night with me. This year I took a different approach. I slept at home and made it to Wal-mart and a couple of places at about 11 am or so. I was only looking for a few inexpensive items, some pj's, a jacket and a couple of toys all items under $10. I found a whole new crowd. Instead of the gamers and the people rushing to hoard electronic items, I found people finding things that their children needed--many of them trying to fill needs while things were affordable. Instead of the employees barring the door and keeping people from trampling each other in their rush, I was greeted by a distinguished Marine collecting toys for underprivileged families. I was touched by the several occasions I heard comments like, "I still have a teenage boy or a 7 year old girl", or "The family I got has a 5 year old boy and a 9 year old girl" It seemed that most were shopping for others and many for sub-for-Santa gifts. It was a much calmer and more tender experience for me; a nice way to start the holiday season. I think I'll stick with that crowd again next year!