They constantly send me e-mails with deals. Check their website to see if there is someplace you can sign up to get e-mails with special offers. Also check facebook - you might be able to do this through google or yahoo even if you aren't on facebook.
Since the sale technically starts on the 26th, all of the tickets have to show the markdown prior to store opening on the 26th. I haven't checked in several years, but our store started marking things down several days before Christmas, in order to have it all ready for the 26th.
They have a red phone in the stores. If what you want isn't in the store, you can order on the red phone. I think shipping will then be about $5 instead of the ridiculous amount they charge for shipping on the website.