Ah, Thanksgiving. It's a time for gathering with your family to give thanks for the year, eat turkey (or the vegetarian equivalent), and then haul ass to the nearest mall because once dinner is over, IT'S BLACK FRIDAY B*TCHES!

In case you don't know, the day after thanksgiving, commonly referred to as "Black Friday", is considered the (un)official start to the holiday shopping season for retailers nationwide. In celebration of this, many stores hold Black Friday sales directed at those who are willing to wait in the cold for some cheap stuff.

Clearly, this is something students are drawn towards because the word "cheap" is involved. Especially for struggling college students, Black Friday is a fantastic opportunity to buy presents for loved ones at a discounted price. Closer to Christmas, you'll be more financially strained and things will be back to full price, so college students should take advantage of the sales!

Personally, I love Black Friday because I consider it a birthday present for myself. As Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and my birthday often fall within a week of each other, I'll set aside some money to go shopping for myself as well as my family and friends. It's a great time to buy that Forever 21 bomber jacket you've had your eye on for 50% off!

It goes without saying that such a wild day brings in some wild people. The crowds will be suffocating, and the lines will wind all around the store. Some stores (like Victoria's Secret and Pink) but a limit on how many bodies can be in the store at once, which helps with crowd control. As sad as it is, no holiday goes without a victim of some sort.

On Black Friday, those victims are the poor retail workers. As you go shopping, remember to be kind. And if there is an option to tip them, DO IT. They're giving up quality family time to basically try and uphold order in a mall of anarchy.

As the holiday season approaches us, remember to give thanks, and shop safely!

Happy Black Friday-- I mean, happy Thanksgiving!