One of the most popular ways to kick off the holiday season is with Black Friday.

Some treat it like a holiday in itself, religiously waking up before dawn to tackle the best deals. Following that is Cyber Monday, the online version of Black Friday.

Nowadays, you'll find a mishmash of the two, with deals happening all weekend long and some stores opening Thanksgiving night. 

There's still plenty of incentive to shop Friday morning, such as limited-time sales and giveaways. The experience can be rewarding or a complete nightmare, depending on your approach.

Here are eight key tips on how to conquer Black Friday without having to sleep in a parking lot:

1. Do your research: Dig around online at Black Friday forums, and monitor the websites of your favorite stores. Or, opt for the old-fashioned method and pick up a newspaper Thanksgiving morning. Make a list of exactly what you want, the prices, and note any time limitations.
2. Keep the junk mail: The junk mail you just tossed could contain valuable coupons and announcements regarding Black Friday. I've noticed more and more stores offering coupons in print vs. online, likely because offers become viral so fast.
3. Read the fine print: Often stores will offer high-ticket items such as flat screen TVs at a fraction of the price, resulting in a line of customers outside as early as 3 a.m. What the campers don't realize is there might only be five of those TVs available at each store. If you're doing your research (as you should be), make sure to read the fine print to see if the item limits are posted.
4. Make a plan: Black Friday is no time for spur-of-the-moment shopping. Aside from a list, you'll want to make a schedule to keep track of sale times. If you'd like to be the first in line for a freebie, you should be there when the store opens, which could be as early as 4 or 5 a.m. Some stores offer storewide discounts that end at a certain time, while others offer the same specials all weekend long. Pay attention and plan accordingly.
5. Get caffeineated: The earliest you'll be able to get caffeine, other than the McDonald's or Jack in the Box variety, is 4 a.m.  That's when Starbucks on North Main Street and Treat Boulevard opens. The Starbucks at North Main Street and Mount Diablo opens at 5 a.m., with Peet's Coffee & Tea and the Broadway Plaza Starbucks opening at 6 a.m. So, if you're leaving the house any earlier, you'll need to brew your own.
6. Leave the kids at home: No offense, parents, but Black Friday is no time for the little ones. At least not in the wee hours, and especially not lined up outside in the dark. It's a serious time for some serious shopping and children only add to the chaos. Instead of dragging the kids along, bring a friend. You'll need someone to chat with while waiting in line, plus it always helps to have a second opinion.
7. Avoid the dressing room: Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, and fitted clothes or layers so that you can try clothing on over your own.  Dressing room and cashier lines are no breeze, and you'll save hours by avoiding the dressing room altogether.
8. Stay home: Cyber Monday isn't the only day for online sales. Black Friday specials also are offered online, often with free shipping, and many last all weekend. If the purchase doesn't work out, return it to a nearby store after the craze is over.

Now that you're ready for Black Friday, here's a list of some not-to-miss freebies and sales in Walnut Creek this weekend.

Freebies:

• Cost Plus: The first 100 customers to arrive Friday through Sunday will receive a free limited-edition, snowman-themed collectible ornament and a scratch-off game piece for the chance to win a gift card. Stores open at 7am. 1697 Mt Diablo Blvd.
• Broadway Plaza: Visit the concierge at Broadway Plaza at 11 a.m. Black Friday for a chance to win a gift card, 96 Broadway Lane.
• PF Changs: Receive a free order of lettuce wraps with any entrée, ordered between 10 and 11am only. 1205 Broadway Plaza.
• 7-11:  Visit Facebook.com/slurpee on "Slurpee Purple Friday,"  to print a coupon for a free Slurpee at 7-11, valid that day only. 301 N. Civic Drive, 2525 N. Main St., 1248 Boulevard Way.
• Walgreens: From Friday to Sunday, free 8x10 collage print, with no purchase necessary, 2900 N. Main St.
• Auntie Anne's Pretzel's: From Friday to Sunday, buy one pretzel or lemonade mixer and get one pretzel free, 1288 Broadway Plaza.
• Baja Fresh: On Friday, Facebook fans can buy 1 entrée and get 1 free, with a coupon from facebook.com/bajafresh, 1273 S. California Blvd.

Sales:

• 7 For All Mankind: Receive 40 percent off and free basic alterations on purchases made before noon Friday. Opens 8 a.m. Friday, 1166 Broadway Plaza.
• Urban Outfitters:  On Black Friday, take an additional 50 percent off sale items until 10am.  Store opens at 4 a.m.  1530 Olympic Blvd.
• White House Black Market: Spend $100 or more Black Friday and receive a free recyclable tote, in addition to 20 percent off all purchases. Opens 8 a.m. Friday, 1236 Broadway Plaza.
• GAP: On Black Friday everything is 50 percent off until 10 a.m.  Opens 8 a.m., 1139 S. Main Street.
• Banana Republic: From Wednesday to Sunday, everything is 25 percent off. 
• Betsey Johnson: Spend $150 or more on Black Friday and receive a gift. Store opens at 8 a.m. From Friday through Sunday, receive 40 percent off full-price and sale merchandise. 1198 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
• Bath and Body Works: Purchase a 2010 Black Friday VIP bag (worth $115) on Friday for $20 with any $30 purchase. Opens 8 a.m. Friday, 1255 Broadway Plaza.
• Target: On Friday and Saturday, spend $100 or more and receive a $10 gift card.  Opens 4 a.m. Friday, 1871 N. Main St.
• Macy's: On Friday and Saturday, receive $10 off your purchases of $25 or more, with coupon. Opens 4 a.m. Friday.
• Coldwater Creek: From Friday to Dec. 2, save $30 off your purchase of $100 or more. Opens 8 a.m. Friday, 1280 Broadway Plaza.
• Lucky Brand: All weekend long, receive $30 off any pair of jeans. Opens 8 a.m. Friday, 1177 Broadway Plaza.
• J. Jill:  From Friday to Dec. 2, take 25 percent off your entire purchase. Opens 8 a.m. Friday,  1145 Broadway Plaza #C 74.

Editor's Note: Miss Bargainista is a self-described single girl in an expensive world whose life is one giant bargain. Visit her blog for breaking news on bargains, sales, freebies, coupons and giveaways for pretty much everything in the retail world: designer clothing, accessories, shoes, makeup, books, housewares and restaurant and take-out meals.