There are a lot of opposing viewpoints out there about Black Friday shopping, but I'm here to give it to you straight about the pros and cons of Black Friday shopping, how to do it without ruining the holiday, and why I do it every year.

I started Black Friday shopping when I was in about sixth grade. My older cousins took me, and we went at about 3 a.m. I wasn't really into fashion or shopping for clothes then, but I wanted to see what it was, because I had never even heard of it before. I only went to a couple of stores, and spent most of my time standing in line at Target, but I enjoyed it and it gave me a chance to feel cool with my older cousins. The next year came and I was super excited to go again, and actually shop! I had a better sense of style (or so I thought) and we were going earlier. I saved a little bit of cash on some new clothes, and I decided that I really liked Black Friday shopping.

After another year of Black Friday shopping (and a year gained in high school), I had decided that I was pretty great at Black Friday shopping. I could spot a deal and I knew my sizes pretty well. I had no problem making my way through crowds, and I liked the excitement of being up at 3 in the morning. The next couple of years we stayed home and I went with my best friend, and together we racked up some pretty nice savings, along with some pretty cute new clothes and accessories. Now, I look forward to Black Friday shopping every year, because I have fun doing it.

I'm no stranger to the backlash that comes with Black Friday shopping. It takes people away from their families on a day of giving thanks, and it makes people look forward to Thanksgiving for the wrong reasons. Don't get me wrong, as much as I love Black Friday, I love Thanksgiving even more. I get to eat and see my family, what's better than that? But I do agree when it comes to store hours. I realize that everyone wants a great deal, but I don't think that stores should open their doors on Thanksgiving Day. Retail workers should be able to spend Thanksgiving Day with their friends, not behind a cash register. The earliest I prefer to go out is 10 o'clock after all the festivities are done and the food has settled. I would be fine going in even later — midnight or 1 a.m. That would give retail workers the entire day with their families, and then they could work technically the next day (if the store opens at 1 a.m. and the workers come to work at midnight).

When it comes to Black Friday, I see the pros and cons. But I really do think there is a way to do the shopping while still celebrating the real holiday. I'm guilty of being addicted to Black Friday shopping, but I refuse to let it take over my holiday spirit.