Black Friday, at least for some Butler County residents, is no longer a “Jingle All The Way” scene but rather a way to spend time with family.

In the frigid parking lot of Cranberry Commons in Cranberry Township, shoppers returned to their vehicles Friday with bags from various stores and smiles on their faces.

Lynn and Bronson Clyde, a mother-and-son duo, walked out of Lowe's Home Improvement, one of their several stops of the day. Both Clydes said they saw Black Friday as a family event, rather than a day of consumerism.

“Normally, it's one of the only days we're off together,” Lynn Clyde said.

At the significantly warmer Clearview Mall in Center Township, hundreds of smiling shoppers enjoyed the Christmas carols playing on the mall's speakers as well as the festive lights, gift-wrapping kiosk and the presence of the Jolly Old Elf himself, who listened to the wishes of dozens of children from his special chair in center court.

Black Friday shoppers also enjoyed one another's company in the cheerful atmosphere of the mall.

“We come for family time, good deals and we like to people watch,” said Kasie Williams of Jefferson Township.

This year, she was on the hunt for gifts of a particular type on Black Friday.

“I just spent, like, $80 on candles,” Williams said.

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