Black Friday—the unofficial holiday that comes right after the food-filled national holiday known as Thanksgiving—is either loved, hated, anticipated or dreaded by Americans across the country.

Some enjoy the madness of waiting in line for hours and running into the store once the doors are finally unlocked.

David Veatch, a sophomore theatre arts major from Iowa, is excited to spend Black Friday shopping with friends this year.

“I enjoy shopping, so when I can get discounts, it gives me more incentive,” Veatch said.

Others fear the madness of anxious customers ready to pounce on that last discounted flat screen television or wool  Star Wars cardigan.

Allison Smith, a junior communication major from Wisconsin, is not as enthusiastic about Black Friday.

She describes her Black Friday shopping experience with friends when she was 16.

“We shopped all night, and I remember being so tired I nearly fell asleep face-first in a pile of disorganized T-shirts,” Smith said.

Whether you love or hate Black Friday, it is coming.

In the past, stores closed for Thanksgiving Day and reopened at midnight or later in the day on Friday.

However, in recent years, many stores have decided to open earlier than midnight, forcing employees to give up Thanksgiving Day with their extended families.

Veatch said he and his sister go shopping later on Friday rather than right at midnight.

“I wish companies would open a little later in the night, because I believe that families should enjoy Thanksgiving,” Veatch said. “If they have to work, that takes away from it.”

This year, some stores have decided to give employees their Thanksgiving back.

According to bestblackfriday.com, a few stores that will be closed on Thanksgiving Day include: Burlington, Cabela’s, Costco, Dillard’s, GameStop, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Sam’s Club.

One store who has really broken the norm this Black Friday is REI, outdoor gear and clothing provider.

REI will be closing all 143 stores all day Thanksgiving and Black Friday, though workers will be paid.

“We’re a different kind of company—and while the rest of the world is fighting it out in the aisles, we’ll be spending our day a little differently. We’re choosing to opt outside, and want you to come with us,” Jerry Stritzke, president and CEO of REI, said in the company press release.

If you plan to take advantage of Black Friday this year, be sure to have a plan.

Look for coupons, and pay attention to the special deals at the stores you want to hit.

Map out your route ahead of time to avoid traffic.

Dress comfortably and wear good shoes—you’ll probably be standing in a lot of long, frustrating lines.

If you are more the type to sleep in on that Friday and do online shopping instead, look for Cyber Monday specials and promo codes.