We all have our reasons for enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday, and there’s plenty to love. The delicious spreads of tasty food and accompanying gluttony, the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade, football games on the television and family matches in the yard.  But, for the true shoppers out there, Thanksgiving marks the Day Before. The Day Before millions will hit stores nationwide hunting for the best deals of the holiday season on Black Friday. Yes, for me, Thanksgiving is all about the official start of the last minute holiday shopping season.

I must confess to being one of those Black Friday shoppers who traveled a few miles to the shopping mecca (aka the Outlet Mall) last year. Not really out of the ordinary. Until I tell you that I went with my 12 DAY old baby and two year old son. It was, well, DUMB and I don’t recommend it. But, I couldn’t resist the urge to shop for those once a year bargains. So I loaded the stroller (an accessory that no matter how sleek, will always prove cumbersome while fighting crowds around the 50% off rack in babyGap), packed a diaper bag and hit the largest outlet mall in the country.

Despite the inevitable crowds, lines and hassle, for many like me nothing stops the yearly Black Friday pilgrimage to the  local shopping mall to experience the thrill of victory (“$50 off a Wii gaming system!”) and agony of defeat (“Zhu Zhu Pets are Sold Out!” ).

But, there’s an alternative to hoofing it around the mall and driving from store to store on Black Friday. Wait a couple days and shop from the comfort of home and participate in the  online shopping phenomenon that is “Cyber Monday.” Cyber Monday is the Monday following Thanksgiving when online retailers hope you’ll make purchases you put off, couldn’t find or avoided in brick and mortar stores.

It’s no wonder Cyber Monday has grown in popularity in recent years.  (Consumers reportedly spent $846 million online on Cyber Monday 2008.)  Shopping online is comfortable (there’s no need to drag newborns from the comfort of home) and easy. With all the information on the internet, it’s simple to find sales, comparison shop, and locate coupon codes online (um, hello, ShopAtHome!).

Even with all the benefits of skipping the madness that is the mall on Black Friday, I must admit that I’ll probably hit the mall again this year. But, I’m leaving the kids at home. I won’t be making that mistake again. Whether you’ll brave the mall or shop in your pj’s from home, happy shopping! And Happy Thanksgiving.