I'm with you-I was overseas when this started and was amazed when I visited and my nieces said they had to take a nap and not visit so they could hit the stores at midnight. My DH and I flew from Australia to spend the holiday with them and then they couldn't pass a sale???
After that experience my DH and I decided to stop gift giving and to send a check to a local food bank in lieu of gifts to the family. I figured the food bank would appreciate it more!
I have never been out during a sale like this as I hate crowds and am not one to like being pushed or shoved.
But to each their own.
Enjoy your holiday traditions and your families.