In Dallas, Elizabeth Etier and her sister Emily McKenzie said they had heard that some consumers and workers were angry that stores were opening earlier than ever on Thanksgiving Day, but they said they were grateful for Target's 9 p.m. opening.

WSJ: Early Holiday Sales Pay Off, for Now

Target is opening at 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving, while Sears and Walmart will open at 8 p.m.

FORBES: With Thanksgiving-Night Openings, Do Retailers Risk Busting More Than Doors?

The Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft delivered Curiosity to its target area on Mars at 10:31:45 p.m.

ENGADGET: NASA's Curiosity rover receives long-distance OTA update, 'brain transplant' on Mars

Now, for the first time, Walmart, Target, Sears and some other stores opened in most states as early as 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

FORBES: Black Friday, The Kick-Off To A Happy Holiday Season