I would answer the question indirectly as follows: I wonder what Jesus would think of the manner in which the holiday which celebrates him has been profaned and diminished through crass materialism and the mad dash for the "perfect" gift at the best possible price. Would he not weep over the hordes of wild boars that often burst through the doors at the beginning of "Doorbuster" Christmas gift sales times? Would he feel that those who have been injured and killed in the stampedes were mere collateral damage in the all-important search for the bargains? Despite horrific incidents involving crazed bargain-hunters, some stores have failed to learn, continuing to offer certain bargains or gift cards only to the first few individuals to break through the doors. As one who believes in freedom and free enterprise and commerce, I would not stand in the way of stores being open on Thanksgiving if workers can be found that are willing to toil on that day. I would suggest, however, that where the hunt for Christmas gifts and bargains is concerned, we have lost our way.

I wouldn't shop at walmart if they gave thousands of dollars away for the customers

It may bring folks together whom shop at this time of day

I agree completely with "Same Old Story". I have shopped at Ross Park Mall on Black Friday every year since 2004 and have gone at the opening hour for the last five years. I'll be there at midnight this year (note how both Ross Park and I are waiting for the calendar to turn to Friday), but not just for scoring great deals on holiday gifts (and admittedly getting a few things for myself at bargain basement prices) and picking up my annual Mickey Mouse snowglobe from JC Penney.

My favorite part of Black Friday is catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. This is especially true this year, as I moved from Pittsburgh and will be making my first return visit for Thanksgiving. Two of my friends have already said they are thinking of joining me in the early morning hours. I'm planning on having breakfast with everyone, even the non-shoppers, later on in the day. When I'm at the mall, I know I'll run into someone who I haven't seen in ages. This, to me, is the best part of the day. I've had the chance to catch up with old college classmates, long-lost high school buddies, former teachers and baseball coaches, and some folks from church over the past eight Black Fridays.

Of course, it's also a time of year when everyone comes together. There's nothing better than striking up conversation in a long line at a department store. It's something that only happens this time of year and if you ask me, it's the holiday spirit!

I'm going to the Louis Vuitton Store in Ross Park Mall...Can't wait!!!

If I can i'll try and go out, and depends on whose around, rides', etc. I've never gone before so it's gonna be interesting! There should be a 'maybe' for this poll!!!

Never go, so they can start it anytime they wish, doesn't matter to me.
I always get my shopping for Christmas done before Thanksgiving, except for some "stocking stuffer" type gifts, which I get close to Dec. 25, just to walk around and see the decorations in the malls and at Station Square, and soak up a bit of the holiday ambiance.
Don't enjoy shopping with crowds, so this is for other shoppers, not me. Have fun!
BTW, I have a relative who works at a major retailer and has to leave family Thanksgiving gathering early because of this "black Friday" stuff, but she says it is worth it because she works on salary plus commission and makes a lot of money that day.

I did go to TRU last yr, and it was insane, definitely not worth it. This yr I'm skipping Black Friday shopping, unless its from my computer and online ordering.
I hate that retail workers have to leave their families celebration of Giving Thanks to go face multitudes of Unthankful shoppers who want to save a few bucks.

I covered Black Friday at South Hills Village last year for Patch, and I was actually surprised at how empty it was. I was there from about 4 to 8 a.m., and it was definitely busy for that time of morning, but there were not big crowds, no long lines, it was pretty calm. It was neat to talk to people about the deals they found, but this year I think I will be spending the day with family instead!

You seem to be a wise person indeed to avoid the mob scenes where people often wait for hours out in the weather and sometimes battle each other over items. Yes, it is sad that retail workers must not attend their family celebrations but that is the way such things work. In fact, one of my sons contemplated cooking school for a while but then realized that he would be working weekends, evenings and holidays when everyone else was partying. And unless one gets to the top in a fancy, overpriced restaurant, the work was quite difficult and did not pay that much. Neither he nor I regretting that decision ever since. But he is cooking for me this week and great at it.

I'm not (and never have been) a Black Friday shopper. Of course, I'm a guy and usually start on Dec. 20. But I'll probably check out some local small businesses Friday and Saturday.

I could care less about shopping. My wife and I will be going down to Maryland for Thanksgiving to have dinner with my brother and his family. On Black Friday our tradition is the guys & gals wake up at 5:00 a.m. The guys head to Atlantic City for the night and leave a donation while the gals do the shopping thing in Maryland.
Been our tradition for years.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone and God Bless

My shopping is done except for a few things I want to pick up at local arts/crafts fairs. I haven't been to a mall in years, and don't plan on starting on Black Friday. Support your small local businesses.

Please support local businesses on Saturday, November 24th. All of the big retailers can't help local economies like a local business.

I steer clear of Black Friday. It's gotten out of hand. We all already have way too much "stuff". The whole idea gives me a headache. I'm for Small Business Saturday though - good way to support local businesses, shop sensibly, and avoid the Black Friday hype.

Support your local businesses and forgo the malls and super stores. I will be hiding from the suburbs from now until after Christmas (except to travel to Mirchi for excellent Indian food in Cranberry).

As far as clothing, you can support local and/or small businesses online as well. Modcloth.com (an online clothing store) has recently moved a location to Pittsburgh, adding many Pittsburgh jobs from fashion to customer service/factory - computer programming. They buy from local and/or independent designers and feature models of all sizes which I love. It is mostly indie designers/vintage inspired clothing.

Have you ever noticed that some of the big designer items are the ugliest? The purse with the "C" or the "LV" all over it is kind of a hilarious, ugly homage to consumerism. Yuck.

After two straight days of cooking (and eating), I will enjoy my Black Friday at home.

I see a lot of support for small businesses on here and a "Small Business Saturday" option versus the Black Friday super store shopping.

Maybe the Patch or a blogger can put together a list of local businesses/restaurants for people to patronize this holiday season?

I think the question was "will you start your Black Friday shopping on Thanksgiving? Nope! I believe Thanksgiving should be a time that we all spend time with friends and family. Those employees that have to work may not want to, but have to because there are a few people that think it is okay to drag others away from their friends and family to serve them.

Dont worry about the Black Friday stuff worry about if the Steelers can beat the Ravens tonight. That is more important than Black Friday.

I do my shopping mostly online, and it is usually when I need something. So, I am not interested in any kind of Black Friday shopping, especially not with crowds, and particularly not at Walmart!

for all the hate and anger towards wal mart it seems to be pretty darn busy. i try and shop local .

There are several comments here about buying from local businesses. I support that idea.

However, when Patch has an article about a new business opening locally that has national connections, people are quick to applaud the addition. I think most recently of Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Bonefish. Go back to the articles making the announcement, and the comments are quick and plenty, "Yea ...."

I never understand this welcome mat, especially when other national businesses propose a new business, and are chastised. Typically, when a Wal-Mart proposes a new store, we hear outrage about "poor Mom and Pop will be closed down." The rejection is seemingly based on a national brand taking away local business. Yet, when Whole Foods was announced recently, it was met with cheers. Why the inconsistency between different national businesses? While the rejection argument is framed in "loss of Mom and Pop," the rejection must have other foundations. All the rejections of some national brands, and not others, has to be met with skepticism. Both have impact on "Mom and Pop."

At least NE12Ukid knows the steelers are on tonight.

One day we are giving thanks and the next day (or evening in this case) people are being trampled for deals at the retail stores. Something is wrong with this picture!

Light Up Night ! ... Black Friday !.......Everybody gets there turn !

Not Thanksgiving but probably early Friday morning.

I will not be shopping Black Friday or Thanksgiving night and have not shopped "BF" in years. I have only done twice in my life. The one time at Ross Park Mall was way too much for me in the early 90s..too crowded, too rushed, etc. But I went again about 7-8 years ago and it was actually a really nice experience. I mainly do not go because I do not enjoy shopping in malls and I like spending time with family and not worrying about getting up early. I will go online and also shop at the local small business here in SH. Happy Holidays to all!!!:-)

I won't be shopping Thanksgiving or Black Friday. I never did shop Black Friday. I stay home and put up Christmas lights, decorations and tree and nibble on leftovers. I am almost done Christmas shopping anyway. I started in July. Now I just have tons to wrap! LOL

I will go out, but I will not go out before 10PM because I think it is a shame that all those workers have to miss Thanksgiving with their families for people to get a $4 toaster that is junk. I have a few items on the wish list, but I will not kill someone to get it. I actually like to watch how people act like children over junk.

What a great comment by Kristy Tagg. People think they are buying cheap and are getting a good product but like Kristy said most of the stuff is junk. The only reason I would go out is to watch all the people fighting over that 4.00 toaster that would be great entertainment

Kristy I saw the same toaster at another store for $3.

People are camping out for days to go shoping. The whole world is nuts.

I think it is absolutely disgusting for stores to be open on Thanksgiving day or the other "major" holidays! Black Friday is one thing, Thanksgiving day is another. I do not shop on black Friday and will never shop on that day. That being said, a lot of people look forward to black Friday shopping and enjoy the excitement the day brings. That is fine, great and wonderful....the point is keep black Friday on FRIDAY!! The employees deserve time to spend with their families on the holidays just as much as anyone else. Let's see some CEO's and other corporate "higher up's" work at 8pm on Thanksgiving day....betcha next year they won't open til Friday! Not only is it "rude" to the employees to open up at 8pm on Thanksgiving, now you're taking families away from each other, because I'm sure there are people that will not attend, or leave early from the Thanksgiving family gathering to get in line for the "doorbusters." What's even worse are the stores that are open regular hours on the holidays! Come on, to close your doors 3 days a year (Easter, Thanksgiving, & Christmas) will not bankrupt anyone! Who knows, it may even raise morale by employees feeling appreciated that they can "catch a break" and spend some quality time with their families! KEEP BLACK FRIDAY ON FRIDAY!!! NOT THANKSGIVING DAY!!

I still believe Thanksgiving is a holiday. It is called "Black Friday" for a reason. 12 am Friday morning, ok. You can't tell me that all these retail giants are not after "the all mighty buck". How many people have been trampled to dead trying to get that "great deal". Do you think they would say it was worth it? Their families? Life is toooo short! These people need to get their priorities straight. Pretty soon we will not even be celebrating Thanksgiving. Pretty soon Thanksgiving will be a turkey sandwich in one hand, retailer ads in the other, running out the door screaming "I'm gonna get the best deals! (It maybe this way somewhere!) There are still 32 shopping days untill Christmas. Are you really getting a "great deal" at 9pm on Thanksgiving? What are you giving up? I beleive time spent with friends and family is more important than saving a few dollars on a computer or TV. And as far as these idiots sleeping outside the store to be the "first one"... to get the first one...there is nothing and I mean nothing I need or want that bad. No new electronic "state of the art" gadget. No fancy video game console. Not even concert tickets for any group current or previous. I still believe Sundays are for family days. To go to Grandma's for dinner. I do work in retail, not on commission. If I did, that would be another reason to call off sick, too much turkey! Commission sales is too much of a cut-throat competion. I have known people on commission sales and they hated it.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL !!

Bruce Lundy comments were the best and also down to earth. These people are truly Idiots. Why in the heck would you want to go out in the middle of the night to go shop? I just dont get it. And the people that camp out for days they just don't have a life. Hey Buice your 100% right it all comes down to the dollar, and if people are that stupid to fall into this trap, then they should see a doctor for immediate attention. I will leave you with this THEY WALK AMONG US.

I know I won't be out shopping on Black Friday, that is our traditional day of putting up our Christmas Tree and decorating around the house. My oldest and family are up from Va Beach for the weekend and it is great to not only spend Thanksgiving together but the next day decorating, then spending Friday night out at the Fire Pit cooking hotdogs, making s'mores and hot chocolate to drink.

I just wish that everyone could be off on the 3 major holidays but that is impossible as Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Steel Mills, Power Plants, Police, Paid Firemen, EMT, etc need people there every day of the year on a 24/7 basis.

Wishing everyone a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

Tonight is the day that Bars make the most money so be careful if your drinking and driving though Baldwin Borough tonight. Many other Police Departments are setting up DUI check points tonight. If your out drinking tonight please call someone to drive you home. It is really sad on Thanksgiving Day hearing about people being killed by people driving under the influence who were just coming home from work to be with their families or traveling from other states to get home and tragedy strikes.

CC, Thanks for the good advice on the drinking and driving tonight. Don't be STUPID don't drink and drive. The people that have the jobs you mention already new thay had to work on all hoildays before they took the job My brother is a police officer and he new it. The people that have to work on this Black Friday crap never in a millon years would think they had to work on Thanksgiving night. Happy Thanksgiving, and God Bless.

CC, I agree with you completely it is nothing but Corporate Greed. It is unfortunate but it has become a money hungry world and it also has become a world that's called ITS ALL ABOUT ME. And yes I also wish everyone could be with their family and friends. And that's what I just don't get about the people going out on Black Friday to shop. Im 62 years old and I guess I'm from the old school but I liked the old schooll and I will never change. I can tell you one thing about the old school ( IT WORKED)

All this uproar about a store being open on Thanksgiving! What about all of the restaurants that are open? No hue and cry over all those buffets that are open every year. I bet most of you have actually been to one at least once.

CC god CC you had to mention fire pits. awe here we go again!

Hey I have no problem with restaurants being open on Thanksgiving Day. And if they want to open all the stores in the world I dont care but you wont see me there. Its a free country do what the heck you want as long its not against the law.

I agree with Jim! While I personally don't agree with shopping on Thanksgiving, there are others who use that time shopping as a time of family bonding, and isn't that what they holidays are all about? Being with loved ones this time of year is of the utmost importance be it at a mall, around a fire in the living room, or wherever you choose!

I do a lot of my shopping online now and usually start around Thanksgiving. All my nieces and nephews start their Santa lists right after Halloween so when we all meet at dad's house in Shadyside, we get the lists from the kids. Online shopping is so much nicer as long as it's something you don't have to try on..lol.

Although supermarkets are not retail department stores, it is worthy of note that Kuhn's Supermarkets' tradition, kept this year, is that it closes all of its stores at 9:00 p. m. the day before Thanksgiving and remains closed until the normal opening hour on Friday. I would bet that most of its employees are grateful for a store owner that forsakes the potential for one day's profit in order to provide all of its workers with this day off.

..and dont' forget all those football players, coaches, etc who have to work on Thanksgiving just to entertain those who are staying home in front of the TV!
:-)

Your wrong there NE12Ukid.The WalMart people get about 100.00 for 8 hours, but the football players and coaches make thousands for 3 hrs. Think about it I would work for that.

He sure got this one wrong cc

So, I actually did go out with a friend- he was looking for a new phone, me-nothing really in particular but did happen to find some ear buds (which my old ones were broken) for a great price. Radioshack wasn't too bad, the lines in target were definitely busy but managed to get through the store safe. However, I wouldn't of gone otherwise other then some boredom since thanksgiving at home for me was pretty low key this year. I'm still in theory that they shouldn't be open today.

If no one went shopping on Thanksgiving then the stores wouldn't bother opening then next year.

NE12Ukid-not only are the stores too greedy but so are the shoppers. What they won't do for a deal... camping out for days and even in tents, That is the stupidest thing I ever heard. My son happened to to see one line where someone brought their dog while camping out. (he was not waiting to shop, just going through parking lot) They are NUTS. It'll never change, unfortunately.