Once I went on Black Friday but not to the malls. We have a store called Global Gallery and it has items from Ten Thousand Villages and Fair Trade and other groups that help craft people from poorer countries sale their cottage industry hand made items for a fair price that the maker receives. It was not packed -sadly, but it was busier than normal, which was good, and not "deals" except maybe free coffee or tea to drink. But I was able to get some very nice and unique hand made gifts and no craziness.
Besides, the past several years I have seen and taken advantage of really good sales,(50% off)in the weeks before T-day. I have a co-worker who "loves" to go on B friday and do all of her shopping all day long. I'm happy to be at home. ;-)