The shopping madness that follows Thanksgiving Day is a boon for some, a bummer for others. It offers not-to-be-missed price reductions on much needed consumer goods, or represents just one more indication of our society’s inevitable downfall. There are always alternatives, though. Here are a few.

Black Friday, the be-all, end-all of go-crazy shopping days (well, not for those celebrating “Buy Nothing Day”), is less than two turkey-filled days away. But in our blind rush to leave a tithe at the alter of mass consumerism, we often lose our thrifty ways. Not to worry – for those of us with office jobs, that raise is right around the corner, coming soon to help ease those credit card bills come January. Right?…