We trimmed our Christmas tree a week ago, so today was completely free for the real American tradition practiced on the day after Thanksgiving: shopping!

Am I a glutton for punishment? Mayhaps. But for some reason, I’ve always done a good amount (maybe most) of my holiday shopping on “Black Friday.” I think it’s because of the sales. You really can get some great deals if you shop on this particular day, and hey, you’re going to spend money at all these places anyway, so you might as well take advantage of getting more bang for your buck. Half off here, buy one get one half-off over there, and so forth.

I can’t tell you where I went because Ashleigh might read this, and of course my wife is the primary recipient of Christmas gifts, especially since the rest of my family is Jewish. Although, really, I was also shopping for Hanukkah gifts. It’s just easier to say “Christmas gifts” because I don’t have to wonder which way I should spell it.