Mother/Daughter Black Friday tradition

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - We're closing in on the busiest shopping day of the year and Connie Dawson and her daughter Kayla are busy preparing for another crazy year of the hustle and bustle.

The mother/daughter duo has been Black Friday shopping for the past five years.
     
It started when Kayla was going off to school.

"Being a college student, I'm broke," said Kayla, "so Black Friday was the perfect time to get all those appliances I need for my apartment."
     
Kayla and her mother say being successful on Black Friday takes more than just getting up early.

"We lay out all the papers and start making lists of what we want," said Connie, "and then we plan on which ones open when so we can plan on when to be there."
     
While Kayla enjoys getting movies and things for college, as a photographer Connie gets equipment for her business at a fraction of the cost.
     
However, while it's a time to get some good deals, it's also about spending quality time together.

"We don't care that we're standing in line for an hour because we're laughing and joking and having a good time," said Connie.     
     
Asked if they have any any advice to share, they say to make a list of what you need and get out early; but on top of it all remember to share the holiday spirit and have fun.

"Go all out," said Kayla. "We're going to buy fanny packs and decorate them and wear football paint underneath our eyes. People have a lot of fun wearing reindeer ears and things like that so you can have a lot of fun and still get the good deals."

The earliest store opening this year is K-Mart at 6:00 A.M. Thanksgiving morning.