It is that time of year when the malls get busier and life gets a little more hectic. Making lists and checking twice can transform the nicest individual into a modern day Scrooge! Here are some tips for making your holiday shopping a little less stressful!
1. Make a list and set a budget so that when January arrives, you can breathe a sigh of relief that you didn’t break the bank! Remember to include your hair stylist, cleaning lady, and/or newspaper carrier on your gift giving list.
2. Write down every gift you purchase. This avoids overspending on one family member to the detriment of the other. (been there and done that…..it is going to cost me a lot of money in therapy for one of my children!)
3. Start now and do some window shopping first to see what you would like to purchase. This can be done online or in person, if shopping is not your thing, then ask your loved ones for some ideas or go online for ideas.
4. If you like to be organized and save the holiday season for anything but shopping, start now, use the complimentary gift wrapping and sit back and relax for the remainder of the season.
5. Don’t re-gift unless you are absolutely sure there is no link between the one who gave you the present and the one receiving. And make sure that the gift is actually something that the recipient might appreciate.
6. It might feel good to steal the parking spot from the little old lady who is driving too slow and cut in the check out line, but really, is this what the season is all about? Put your gift shopping in perspective, it’s just shopping not brain surgery.
7. Quality not quantity when it comes to gift giving. For some reason we always feel there has to be a huge amount of presents for everyone but perhaps we should rethink that attitude. Isn’t a well thought out gift a far better choice than a bunch of stuff that you grabbed without putting in much thought?
8. Wrapping can be as special as the present. Tap into your inner Martha or donate some money to the charity that is wrapping gifts in the store or mall. Putting effort into wrapping tells the recipient that they are special and it looks great!
9. Remember to think of those who may not have a happy holiday season. We live in the land of plenty but some have nothing and since good manners and etiquette is really about making the other person feel comfortable and at ease, why not share what you have with those who could use a little good cheer.
10. Each day of the holiday season, try to be grateful for something in your life, it takes the stress out of the season and allows you to enjoy all your blessings!
I need to plan ahead this year and leave more time for wrapping! It really should be a pleasure and not such a chore:) Great list!