by Stephanie Peng, staff writer

It’s typically a pain to get high school students up early and to class on time at 7:30 a.m. for A period.

But one day every year, teenagers are the ones scrambling out of bed to wake their parents at unholy hours of the morning.

The electronics, clothes, gadgets, and juicy deals advertised on TV and in magazines for weeks prior contribute to the American shopping frenzy called Black Friday.

Girls and guys alike anticipate the annual shopping tradition in order to snatch popular name-brand items at low prices. Stores offer the best deals of the season in preparation for the holidays and open in the wee hours of morning the day after Thanksgiving.

Last year, senior Wes Enos got up at 5:30 a.m. with his mom to buy a LoveSac chair at half price.

“I like getting new things without giving away all my money,” said Enos.

But Black Friday is not only about the sales. It’s also about the excitement of doing something out of the ordinary, and slightly crazy.

It’s not uncommon to see customers camping out in front of stores that open as early as 1 or 2 a.m.

Junior Julie Li has an annual tradition she celebrates with her two sisters.

“Every year before Black Friday I go home, stay up really late, and sleep for two hours,” Li said.  “Then I get in line at 3 am.”

Only after hitting hot-spots such as Target, Best Buy, and Urban Outfitters, will Li and her sisters finally go home and rest.

Although Cal High has its fair share of shopping enthusiasts, Black Friday is not for everyone. Along with waking up early, shopping on Black Friday also involves battling crowds of rude shoppers.

Waiting in line can take longer than the actual shopping, especially at major retailers.

For this reason, Cyber Monday, the Monday after Black Friday, is becoming increasingly popular. Retailers advertise blowout deals on a first-come-first-serve basis like Black Friday – but online.

“Just order it from Amazon,” said senior Sameer Patel. “People have died before in some of these frenzies.”

Patel typically only leaves his house when it gets less crowded to scour the racks for what he wants, if anything is left.

Sophomore Dominique Nunez shares her unique tactic.

“I stayed home last year because I don’t like crowded places,” Nunez said. “So my parents go instead.”

This way, she doesn’t have to wake up early or deal with rude shoppers, but doesn’t miss out on any deals either.

Though traditions of Black Friday among Cal High students vary greatly, this November, Black Friday will continue its tradition of boasting the best deals of the entire year.

Whether students are looking for a unique way to spend time with family and friends, or just to get a head start on holiday shopping, be sure to check out deals at stores in the area.  And don’t forget to set your alarms early.