I'm with the group who don't leave home on Friday. I don't have a dishwasher, and usually host Thanksgiving. I also throw a Christmas party a week and a half later. So Friday means making Turkey soup, salad, sandwiches, washing dishes, scrubbing .... well, you name it. I take my time at it, I might add. Sip of wine, scrub a dish. My husband and I have also pretty much decided to skip gift giving, and simply do not shop that day. So Friday is turkey soup/sandwich/salad day, and slowly working at getting the house in shape for the Christmas party. P.S., among my holiday guests are Muslim and Jewish friends, and no one seems to have a problem with "Merry Christmas!"