Many years ago, Black Friday – the day after Thanksgiving – was considered the official start of the holiday shopping season. Now, the first day of November is the true start of the holiday shopping season.

Although leading retail forecasters can’t settle on an exact dollar amount, the consensus is already set: we’re going for a record holiday shopping season.

Whether you are a fan of the Denver Broncos or Seattle Seahawks, it doesn’t matter because the game itself has proven to be merely the backdrop for a cultural event that is distinctly American.  

For those of you who are forced into the mall this weekend: I’m sorry. Here are five things to avoid as we enter the final shopping days before Christmas.