LET THE SEASON BEGIN--Shoppers take part in the annual ritual of buying presents the day after Thanksgiving, at City Center Mall, in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2000. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)

IT'S A TRADITION--Diana Dyar, left, and Ann Lang, of Marietta, Ohio, leave City Center Mall after making their annual 2 hour drive to do Christmas shopping, in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2000. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)

IT'S A MERRY MARY CHRISTMAS--Mary Daniels performs for the holiday shoppers, at City Center Mall, in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2000. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)

'TIS THE SEASON--Holiday shoppers enjoy the decorations of the season, at City Center Mall, in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, Nov. 24, 2000. The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally the busiest day of the year for retailers. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)