Black Friday deals seem to arrive earlier and earlier. This year, I spotted pre-Black Friday sales creeping into my inbox as early as October. While I don’t mind a good deal on something I need, excess sales promote over-consumerism that leaves me feeling empty. 

Skip the Black Friday frenzy altogether and embrace a season of gratitude, exploration, and investing in yourself, your inner circle, and your local community. Use the opportunity to start a new tradition on your own or with friends and family. Put down your phone and steer clear of the malls. Instead, find ways to give back, find inspiration in local art, and get outside to breathe in the crisp Pacific Northwest air that feels so perfectly fresh this time of year. 

Get outside

In 2015, REI decided to skip Black Friday and instead gave their employees the day off to spend in nature. Its #OptOutside campaign has been growing ever since, encouraging people to spend time outdoors and marvel at the natural world instead of shopping. In the spirit of REI’s ten-year anniversary of opting outside—and in celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s natural abundance—spend the day (or entire weekend) outside, rain or shine. 

Late November can be a tricky time for outdoor adventures, with many parks and trails closed for the season, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Join a trail repair work party with WTA to learn  new skills and help maintain Washington’s beloved trails. Although they’re on break from Nov. 24-28, there are plenty of opportunities to join fellow nature enthusiasts the week before and after in community trail repair events.  

While some traditional outdoor activities are inaccessible this time of year, a few adventures shine during late fall and winter. Go storm-watching, which peaks on Washington’s coasts between November and February. Watch waves crash against the cliffs at Cape Disappointment State Park or take in a 360-degree view of surging waves from the observation tower at Westport Marina. 

Winter is also prime birding season, especially across northwestern Washington. In the Skagit Valley, migratory birds start returning in November—waterfowl, bald eagles, snow geese, and swans flock over the Skagit River and surrounding marshes. 

If you’d rather stay closer to home, join a firepit social at Waterfront Park, taking place every Saturday in November and December from 3-6 p.m. Stay toasty around crackling fires, sip warm beverages, and take in the views. Or, if you’re feeling bold, book a session at one of the city’s sauna and cold plunge spots, such as Bywater Sauna, where you can dip into frigid waters and then warm up in mobile saunas on Seattle beaches. 

Give back to the community and support local artists

One of the best ways to counter the season of consumerism stretching from November through the New Year (a period I personally struggle with): Channel your resources and energy into something that gives back or uplifts the community. 

The trusty Turkey Trot is a long-standing tradition that lets you stay active while supporting local causes. Seattle has a few neighborhood trots to choose from on Thanksgiving Day. The Magnuson Series in Magnuson Park kicks off at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 27, with 5K, 10K, and 15K run and walk options. This year’s run supports Food Lifeline, and participants are encouraged to bring food donations for the University Food Bank. 

The Montlake Turkey Trot hosts a 5K run through Washington Park Arboretum at 9 a.m. on Nov. 27, also raising funds for the University District Food Bank. 

Food banks and shelters like Mary’s Place are almost always in search of volunteers. Work with United Way of King County to deliver meals on Thanksgiving to elders who are part of Full Life Care’s ElderFriends program. While volunteer interest surges around the holidays, places need support year-round. Consider committing to a longer-term volunteer stint—the impact will likely be greater not just for the organization but in your own life as well.  

And if you’re looking for creative inspiration, explore the local art scene. If you haven’t already, stop by Cannonball Arts, where massive murals, imaginative sculptures, interactive exhibits, and Native arts fill the lofty space. Take a walk through Forest for the Trees, an open-air art gallery in the historic streets of Pioneer Square, or learn more about Seattle’s street art scene on a walking tour with Seattle Street Hues.