Macy's Thanksgiving parade returns with all the trimmings

Balloons, floats, marching bands, clowns, and performers — and, of course, Santa Claus — once again came to the streets of Manhattan as the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was no longer confined to one block or sometimes pre-taped last year.

Black Friday shopping deals

Black Friday deals actually started days ago, especially online. Major retailers are offering good discounts but not a lot of door-busters — because they don't need to, according to Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst with DealNews.com.