Escape from Black Friday Crowds

Each week, Patch tells you about one great idea to give you a much deserved break, and make your life a little easier, and maybe a whole lot more fun.

This week, we're suggesting a bunch of ideas for those of you for whom the Friday after Thanksgiving isn't necessarily a day you want to spend fighting and elbowing other shoppers.

We know what you're thinking — escaping from Black Friday isn't even possible. You can't turn on your TV without a blast of ads for promotions that will draw crowds and mayhem.

You might not be able to avoid all of the traffic and craziness, but here are some ideas for alternative ways to spend the day, especially if you're off from work. Who knows, you may even forget for a few hours that it is Black Friday. 

Maybe you're one of those people who wait all year for Black Friday. In that case, this column isn't for you! But for those who might want to spend at least a few hours on a holiday weekend doing something other than waiting in a long line to get to a cash register, here are 10 ideas.

Please let us know if you have any of your own suggestions, and add them at the comments section at the end of this story.

1) You probably stuffed yourself on Thanksgiving. Tie on some running (or at least walking) shoes and hit one of the trails in the Somerset County Park system.

2) Donate, instead of aquiring. For example, buy some books ahead of time and bring them this Friday to the "Books For Kids" drive, lasting until Dec. 11. The library is accepting new books for children and teens throughout New Jersey who might not otherwise have them.

3) If you're visiting — or being visited by — relatives, take some time to share stories about your family's history while you still can.

4) Shop locally, shop at small businesses, or shop for a cause.

For example, St. Ann School, on Second Avenue in Raritan, is hosting a sports card and collectibles show Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission to the show is $1, and 50 dealers will present their wares. Proceeds will go directly to the school. For more information, call the school at 908-725-7787.

Or wait until the following Friday, Dec. 2, and buy some of your gifts at the Hope Austism Foundation's Holiday House Tour and Boutique. Tour four Basking Ridge homes while you do your shopping, and contribute toward the foundation. For tickets and information, go online.

5) Grab your bike and head somewhere locally, or just enjoy the fresh air before it gets too cold. Don't forget a helmet though.

6) Go to the stores late at night. Black Friday lasts till the stroke of midnight! And many of the bargains continue after the Big Day, anyway.

7) Take the train into the city when there's fewer commuters and window shop and people watch. 

8) Go someplace you've wanted to go all year, but didn't have the time.

9) Buy a live Christmas tree, or dig out the holiday decorations. Turn on the music. Invite people over.

Note: You'll have to wait one day longer for Bishop Janes United Methodist Church in Basking Ridge to begin its annual fundraising holiday tree sale on Saturday, Nov. 26.

10) Bonus suggestion: Stay in bed, pull the covers over your head, and sleep late instead of setting your alarm clock. Now, there's a thought that's as sweet as pumpkin pie!

Eileen Oldfield and Audrey Levine contributed to this story.