There is nothing I hate more than Black Friday! It is an excuse for consumerism and materialism that is not needed in society. It takes away from Thanksgiving, in which I have talked to people who are more excited about Black Friday than Thanksgiving. Which I take personally since Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Black Friday also increases all stresses I normally feel about going shopping including standing lines, trying to find the best deals, and dealing with people. Lastly, Black Friday makes people get so aggressive over shopping, like take a chill pill everyone you will get your spot in line there is no need to freak out at the nice people working in the store.

So yeah I really dislike Black Friday!

But I think that makes me the most qualified person to give advice on how to survive Black Friday. So here you go my ultimate guide to surviving Black Friday.

DON’T GO!

The advice ends there people. The easiest way to survive Black Friday is to not go shopping. I have never gone Black Friday shopping in all 21 years of my life on this planet and you know what I am still doing just fine with my life. If anything I think my stress levels are down compared to the average person who does Black Friday shopping.

So now you are probably wondering what can I do instead of going Black Friday shopping well the answer is really quite simple you go outside! That is right! Join me, REI, and everyone else with common sense and go for a hike, walk on the beach, go to a play-ground, or play some backyard football. Literally you can do anything outside and it will be 100% better than going shopping and standing in lines under artificial lighting.

Last year REI started its Opt Outside program where all their stores are closed on Black Friday in order to encourage people to go outside and experience some fresh air. I opted to go outside last year and it was the best decision I have ever made in my life! This year my whole entire family will be opting outside with me and will be going on a hike on a nearby mountain near our house.

So what will it be? Wait in long lines only to be aggravated by the thousands of people who also thought shopping for mediocre deal was a good idea with no taste of sunlight...

or will go out with me?