Black Friday shopping has gained popularity over the years. With stores opening on Thanksgiving night, more and more people are out buying gifts for family and friends this holiday season.

Shopping at 2 a.m. is an experience quite different than a usual shopping spree, but even this early in the morning there are hundreds of people bustling around, and the lines seem to be miles long.

Junior Brooke Frazier was in New York City over Thanksgiving Break and went shopping in Times Square.

“Times Square is a whole new experience,” Brooke said. “There are so many more people out shopping than back in Texas, and the weather is so much colder, but even though it’s more extreme, it’s that much more fun.”

Not only is Black Friday shopping a time to buy gifts, it is the beginning of a new season.

“All the Christmas decorations are up in the stores, and Christmas music is being played over the intercoms,” junior Ellie Sharp said. “It’s so exciting to realize how close Christmas is coming.”

The Black Friday deals are hard to beat. Sales up to 90% off of clothing or electronics bring in even the most secluded people, but there are some people that choose to wait a few days for another sale day: Cyber Monday.

Cyber Monday is the perfect day for staying at home in bed or sitting at your desk and getting to shop online with sales that are just as good as Black Friday. According to “CNET Magazine”, online shopping sales have increased 9.5% from last year’s sales. Some stores offer free shipping and up to 50% off of items.

“I prefer Cyber Monday because you don’t have to wait in lines,” sophomore Courtney Demers said. “The sales are just as good, but you don’t have to leave the house or look presentable. It’s my favorite kind of shopping.”

Whether you choose to shop Black Friday or Cyber Monday you can finish all your holiday shopping without breaking the bank.