I’m still having trouble believing that Turkey day is just around the corner!  The holidays are upon us already?  Bah……Well, I’m certainly no Ebeneezer Scrooge, however, I do take issue with the fact that the stores are already blaring carols over their Muzak systems…  It’s kind of an unofficial rule in my family that Christmas season doesn’t kick in until “Black Friday,”  (formerly known as the day after Thanksgiving).  Speaking of which, that reminds me… it’s time to perform my annual civil service and pass on my holiday wish for you:  More money in your pocket.

Now before I go much further with my song-and-dance, let me say that I’m well aware that Black Friday stands in direct opposition of many folks’ beliefs of the meaning of the holiday. — I get it, and I respectfully withdraw from that argument.  My take is: What better way to be a zealot for the cause than to take advantage of the generosity of your fellow man–  y’know, the various merchants offering those deep, but limited-time discounts.

So with all that said, here it is — my annual list of Black Friday sites.  These sites get a jump on all the upcoming sales, (albeit some are only rumors), compile them and organize them into a search-able format:

• BlackFriday.info posts sales information and online coupon codes. It also provides ad scans of Black Friday circulars weeks in advance.
• Black-Friday.net boasts up-to-date Black Friday deals and e-mail updates. Also check out the “Deals of the Day,” offered by retailers such as Amazon.com, Target and Best Buy throughout November. Caveat: Not all posted ads are confirmed, but the site is clear about which Black Friday deals “might be available.”
• BlackFriday.com provides Black Friday coupons, online offers and even free samples. Coupons are organized by categories such as grocery coupons, baby coupons and travel.
• Black Friday@GottaDeal.com posts ads and organizes sales by store. There are also a slew of pre-Black Friday bargains.
• DealTaker.com provides nearly 9,000 coupons for more than 2,000 stores. There are also “free shipping” and “free stuff” sections.
• RetailMeNot.com offers coupon codes for up to 40,000 stores — throughout the holiday shopping season and also year-round. There’s also a RetailMeNot social network to stay connected with fellow shoppers and share bargains.
• TGIBlackFriday.com posts ads from a large variety of retailers and provides its “Top 40 deals.”
• FatWallet.com provides deals and discounts, as well as a forum for shoppers to discuss the latest ways to save.
• In the market for a new laptop? BlackFridayLaptopDeals.net focuses heavily on Black Friday laptop bargains. However, the site also touches on other products, such as televisions and toys.

Here’s hoping the holiday season brings you all your heart desires… And if you’re still hankering for material goods, I wish you good luck and good sales!