The day after Thanksgiving is the busiest shopping day of the year. Malls open early and close late. Sales abound, tempting millions of Americans to load up on Christmas presents or just some good deals for themselves.

But wait a second. Aren't we facing a serious economic crisis right now, on par with the Great Depression? Aren't restaurants and boutiques closing left and right because no one is spending their precious dollars, choosing instead to hoard them for the long, cold winter ahead -- as well as the financial winter that could extend well into the warm days of summer and beyond?

Since 1997, a smaller group of Americans have celebrated the day of day-old turkey and cranberry sauce, aka Black Friday, with an alternative agenda to the mass-consumerism that courses through American cities and towns.

"Buy Nothing Day" gives anti-shoppers a chance to "escape the packed malls and aggressive advertising," explains Reverend Billy and the Church of Stop Shopping's website. Instead, the "church" invites you to a free dance party at Union Square, in Manhattan, from 3 to 5:30pm.

"Receive a special blessing (or exorcism) from the Rev for a 'Debt Free Christmas!'" promises the site. "Music makers and holiday costumes encouraged, all ages welcome! On Saturday you'll be singing 'Last Night A DJ Saved My Mortgage.'"

[Image: Shopping Frenzy at Eatons in Toronto, circa 1905]