This article is sponsored by Tito's Handmade Vodka.
On Black Friday, millions of Americans will hit the malls and other stores to try and score savings on items on their holiday shopping list.
And while the day after Thanksgiving is usually filled with huge deals on everything from electronics and appliances, to clothing and toys, many major retailers have unleashed their sales early this year. This has allowed many to get what they need at discounted rates prior to the surge on what is often the busiest shopping day of the year.
So if standing in long lines, battling crowds, and making big dents in your bank account doesn’t sound like your cup of tea - and you’d rather wait until Cyber Monday to do some retail damage - here are seven other alternative activities to indulge in on Black Friday.
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Eat all the leftovers
Whether you hosted Thanksgiving or just made off with some of your host’s leftovers, reheating turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and the rest of the fixings may be exactly what the doctor ordered for a chill afternoon at home. When you are done with those, move on to the apple, pumpkin or pecan pie and call it a day. Bon appetit!
Work on your fitness
You could also pass on the leftovers (for now) and get a head start on those New Years fitness goals. With so many people raiding store aisles, it might be a great day to hit up a quieter day at the gym. Another option, if weather permits, is enlisting a fellow cardio enthusiast for an outdoor workout in the park or a scenic hike. Savor those precious hours of daylight breaking a sweat while enjoying the fresh air. Then you can go home and enjoy some guilt-free leftovers!
Catch up on movies/TV
A day off is a perfect time to finally get around to binging the latest series everyone is talking about or plowing through the 20 shows currently clogging up your DVR. If you’re feeling festive, start a holiday movie marathon and re-watch some classics from your youth, or the latest Hallmark romcom. And if you haven’t been to a theater in a while, it could be a great opportunity to call a friend and catch one of the latest releases at your local multiplex.
Visit a museum or zoo
Taking in culture is a great way to spend the afternoon while the rest of America is ringing up cash registers. Is there a local museum or exhibit you’ve been meaning to check out? Get lost enjoying art at a gallery or learn something new by hitting up a history or science museum. If you’re feeling wild, take the kids to a zoo or aquarium and make it a fun and educational day for all.
Clean out your closet
Instead of filling your house with new items from the mall, declutter your life by finally cleaning out that closet or room you’ve been meaning to do since 2016. Not only will you feel lighter and productive, but you can then donate the items to organizations that will help make sure others have what they need during the holidays.
Make it a self-care day
This is your day, so take care of you. Pamper yourself by doing things that will relieve stress from your life. Catch up on those zzz's and don’t feel guilty about it. If it is within your budget, book a day at the spa and get a facial or a massage. Other simple yet helpful options include: meditating, yoga, stretching, reading a book, listening to a podcast, taking a long shower or bath, or even making a list of the things you are grateful for in your life. Do whatever relaxes you and just smile.
Catch up with faraway friends/family
If you couldn’t make it back to your hometown for Thanksgiving, Black Friday is a great opportunity to catch up with friends and family members that you may have lost touch with throughout the year. Call or Zoom with the old gang and reminisce about the old days and make plans to create new memories in person in the future. In a world filled with endless texts, emails and social media updates, hearing the sound of a loved one’s voice is exactly the thing that will get you in the holiday spirit.
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