I avoid Black Friday shopping every year. It's a time where everyone, I mean everyone, is out shopping after the Thanksgiving. Long lines, bad parking and "apparently" great shopping deals. I prefer Cyber Monday. I sit back relax my pajamas while I surf the net for tech deals. 

This time, Daily Press sent me to cover for the Virginia Gazette at Williamsburg's quaint shopping areas, New Town. I didn't see lots of hoppers with multiple bags. Everyone I've talked said they did shopping on Thanksgiving Day or just avoided shopping all together. 

Stuart Brown, Arlington, Va., smiles with his children from left, Kendall Brown, 10, and Peter Brown, 12, with Paul Sheehan as Santa Claus who looks at picture taker Deena Walls, worker for New Town Williamsburg, Friday, Nov. 27, 2015. I'm normally the photographer in the family, Brown said, I'm glad I can be in the picture this time." Meeting with Santa and picture taking are free, said Paul. (Sonya Paclob / Special to the Daily Press)

Nina Gokita, 10, shows off her Black Friday purchase, a heart locket with the letter N at Justice in New Town Williamsburg, Friday, Nov. 27, 2015. According to her mother Tonya Gokita, Williamsburg, Nina bought the locket with her birthday money. "I bought this for 40% off and I'm happy, Nina said. (Sonya Paclob / Special to the Daily Press)

Owner Amanda Wilbourne of Nautical Dog places dog related items in a bag for her loyal customer Amanda Stendardo, Woodbridge, Va., after purchases at New Town Williamsburg, Friday, Nov. 27, 2015. Wilbourne was offering her customers Nautical Dog cash for every $50 spent towards $10 off purchases in January, she said. She will also offer the deal tomorrow on Small Business Saturday. (Sonya Paclob / Special to the Daily Press)

Pro tip for shoppers: The best time to go shopping is at Midnight closer to 3 am in the morning. Many shoppers are already sleeping and Thanksgiving door busters deals extend till Black Friday evening. I think it's a better deal then staying in line at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Reserve your time with family. 

Pro tip for photographers: Scout your locations earlier in the week. Small businesses are willing to have you around, then big box stores. Bath and Body Works didn't want me in to photograph inside the stores, but was OK with me outside the doors. 

Whats was your best deal that you got from Black Friday shopping? If you didn't go shopping, what other actives did you do? Sleeping till 3 p.m. counts.