For many years, families gathered for Thanksgiving to feast on delicious food and watch football, then rushed out early the next day for Christmas shopping to grab great deals. Some even camped outside stores overnight to secure the best offers.

The Black Friday tradition has evolved with the rise of online shopping, and this year, retailers like Minnesota-based Target are shifting their approach, effectively ending the one-day shopping event. Read about their plan below and enter to win a Target shopping spree at the bottom of this story.

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When Did Black Friday Start?

The term "Black Friday" first appeared in 1951. Wikipedia says the term was used in a journal called Factory Management and Maintenance, where it described workers calling in sick the day after Thanksgiving to enjoy a longer weekend.

Britannica explains that police in Philadelphia used the term in the early 1960s to refer to the chaos caused by suburban shoppers coming into the city for the Army-Navy football game and beginning their holiday shopping early.

According to NBC News, the idea of Black Friday as a shopping holiday gained traction in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Black Friday Shopping Starts This Weekend at Minnesota Targets

Target isn’t waiting until after Thanksgiving to attract customers with great deals; they’re starting their holiday discounts now.

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From Nov. 1 to Dec. 24, Target will offer new deals every week, with early access for Target Circle members. Then starting Nov. 3, shoppers can find fresh deals every Sunday, and previews will be available on Fridays through Target's Weekly Ad.

Target stores will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, but online deals will start that day and continue in stores on Black Friday. Plus, Target will honor its price match guarantee for items purchased between Nov. 7 and Christmas Eve, ensuring that any price drops will be matched.

Enter to win a $500 Target Shopping Spree

It's the most wonderful time of the year - It is also the most expensive time of the year, so let us help you out. Click here to enter to win a $500 Target Gift Card.

The 15 Most Commonly Stolen Items From Target

FinanceBuzz did some digging and discovered the most frequently pocketed, stuffed, and shoved items shoplifters love to take from one of America's biggest retailers. Here's a look at the 15 Most Commonly Stolen Items From Target.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

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