If you live for Black Friday – the day after Thanksgiving, which retailers count on to kick-start their crucial holiday shopping season – we've got a game plan for you. After you've picked through the ads and coupons that will be packed into Thursday's newspaper, you can use our timeline to plot your strategy for making the most of your Black Friday shopping time.

Most shoppers will head out after a good breakfast on Friday morning. But hard-core shoppers won't wait that long, and retailers are encouraging that spending zeal with "door busters" and early bird specials. In addition to avoiding peak crowds, you can get some good deals if you head out while most of us will still be sleeping off our holiday meals. A lot of stores are opening before sunrise, starting with some Disney Store locations and Prime Outlets at Ellenton, which will open at midnight. You can start there and follow the deals all day long.

-Michele Sager