OREM — The turkey isn't even on the table before Kris Jeppson starts her Christmas shopping.

While the bird roasts in the oven, Jeppson makes the rounds to stores like Wal-Mart and Target, which offer special sales on the "little holiday before the big holiday."

"Everyone thinks that the big sales are the day after Thanksgiving," Jeppson said. "But there are some good sales at lots of stores on Thanksgiving or even the week before."

This year, many stores began offering holiday sales several weeks before the season officially began — a nod to the trend to creep the holiday season up to the beginning of November.

But University Mall spokeswoman Mindika Nordfelt said the best sales and promotions have been saved for the day after Thanksgiving, as well as a visit from Santa, who will be flying in on KSL's Chopper 5.

"Most of our stores do offer special discounts and sales," Nordfelt said. "It's a busy day. We have a lot of promotions going on that day."

If predictions hold true, this holiday season could be a busy one for shopping.

The Commerce Department predicts "average to slightly above average" shopping trends this season, spurred by a stronger job market and optimism about the economy.

The department predicts that general merchandise, apparel, furniture and electronic sales will experience about a 5 percent increase in November and December.

"I think it's going to be a busy year," Jeppson said. "Everyone is kind of feeling better about life and feeling good about splurging on Christmas."

So what should you do if you decide to brave the day after Thanksgiving sales?

Self-proclaimed shopping expert Donna Egbert said she likes to get a good night's rest before hitting the local malls for a marathon day of Christmas shopping.

"I rest up all Thanksgiving Day so that I can be in line by 5 a.m.," Egbert said. "I bring water and some granola bars with me so that I don't get weak from being on my toes all day."

Battling crowds is a frustration for some, but Egbert said she thrives on holiday congestion.

"It just doesn't feel like Christmas if you don't spend some time at the mall on a busy day," she said. "It makes me feel as good as listening to a Christmas album."

But not everyone gets in the Christmas spirit by standing in long lines.

Egbert's husband, Glen, said that he's a real Scrooge when it comes to crowded shopping centers.

"I can't stand it," he said. "The only day I like to shop is on Christmas eve when all the husbands are buying all their presents. It's still crowded, but it's a more masculine crowd."

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MALL HOURS

University Mall

575 E. University Parkway

Orem

Nov. 26 - 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

(Mervyn's opens at 5 a.m.)

Holiday hours vary. Check www.shopuniversitymall.com for extended schedule.

Provo Towne Centre

1200 Towne Centre Boulevard

Provo

Nov. 26 - 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Holiday hours vary. Check www.shopprovotownecentre.com for extended schedule.

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E-mail: lwarner@desnews.com