Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, and it marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. It’s a day filled with great deals on popular Christmas gifts. For some, Black Friday is more hotly anticipated than Thanksgiving itself. But others would just as soon stay at home and avoid the crowds in stores.

Those who are turned off by the consumerism of the holiday season have developed their own alternatives to Black Friday. In fact, some people celebrate the day after Black Friday as Buy Nothing Day, another unofficial holiday that originated in the United Kingdom. And another group has proclaimed the day after Thanksgiving “Make Something Day” to promote creating handmade gifts.

Here’s another idea for Black Friday: do something nice for yourself. If you have the day off of work, why not do something that you have wanted to do but never found the time? Here are a few ideas to consider:

* Take a trip to the spa. It probably won’t be too crowded since just about everyone else will be out shopping. They might even offer some special deals to attract customers on Black Friday.

* Visit local attractions such as museums, art galleries and amusement parks. When we go out of town, we often take the time to patronize such places. But when they are in our own back yard, we often don’t bother. Take the opportunity to see what wonderful things your town or city has to offer.

* Go to the movies. It’s highly unlikely that the theater will be crowded, so chances are good that you’ll get a good seat. And if you go during the day, it’s usually less expensive. You could go by yourself, take the kids, or make it an outing with the girls.

* Enjoy nature. If the weather co-operates, Black Friday is a great day to go hiking or birdwatching. You could even make it a family event if you like.

* Go out to eat at a restaurant that’s off the beaten path. Those located near malls and shopping centers will probably be packed, but the little cafes out in the middle of nowhere are likely to be near-empty. Take the opportunity to try them out.

* Stay home and pamper yourself. Buy some scented bubble bath, body lotion, nail polish and other goodies before Thanksgiving. When Black Friday comes, you’ll be prepared to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.

* Let everyone else go shopping and curl up with a good book or DVD. We all need a little time alone every now and then, and Black Friday can provide an opportunity to get it.

There are plenty of things to do on Black Friday other than shopping. Instead of fighting the crowds, consider doing something for yourself. You’ll still have plenty of time to take advantage of Christmas deals.