5 Tips to Avoid a Black Friday Meltdown By Maureen Pratt

Of all the upcoming holiday events, Black Friday is perhaps one of the most unique. Before dawn appears on the horizon (or, in some cases, before the Thanksgiving feast has been fully digested), scores of bleary-eyed shoppers arm themselves with coffee, shopping lists, and determination and descend upon retailers who have pulled out all the stops (and merchandise) for one, frenzied day of shopping.

But for all of the excitement around this seasonal tradition of gift buying, there is a dark side. Whether because of retail rage, crowds run amok, overspending, or simple exhaustion, some people do not come out of Black Friday unscathed. And disappointment, fatigue, and frustration can quickly bring down the more positive feelings cultivated on Thanksgiving Day. Here, then, are five ways to avoid Black Friday meltdown:

Follow Maureen at www.maureenpratt.com and on her Beliefnet blog.