Black Friday vs. Economics

Today, of course, is Black Friday. And while I did make a trip to Target this morning, I am not one of the folks out there trying to finish their Christmas shopping today. Black Friday makes no sense when you account economics into the picture. True, Black Friday sales prices are great deals. But how much is saving money worth to the consumer when you consider:

• How early one must awake and leave the house to get these prices?
• How much gas will the shopper use in traffic?
• How much time will the shopper lose in traffic or waiting in line?
• Will the shopper be able to acquire the necessary items on the first trip, or will it take multiple trips?

I know that Black Friday is important to retailers, but as a shopper I just say no. It is more economically feasible, for me at least, to wait until Monday and go, once the craziness of the weekend slows down. Or else, and you really like to save time and money like I do, buy most of your gifts from Amazon and have them shipped directly to you. Why take a two-hour round trip to the mall to buy one item, when you can buy five in the span of five minutes from the convenience of your home?