Shopping Tips from a Non-shopper

I don’t particularly like shopping. My idea of it looks something like this: If I’m with friends I go to one store, make a quick purchase, then spend the next three hours in a coffee shop, talking. If I shop alone, I wear sneakers, bring a list and make like a marathon runner. So for someone like me, it’s essential I make my excursions pleasant, especially the big ones like Christmas shopping.

One of the ways I accomplish this is by making lists throughout the year. Listening to family and friends when they say things like, “Oh, I love that!” or “Someday I’m going to get this;” or “I really need that;” will give you ideas. Write them down. These things, plus stocking stuffers, can be picked up throughout the year, way in advance of the Christmas rush, thus trimming your list to a manageable size. Another tip: shop early. I try to get even those “last minute” items before Thanksgiving (though I haven’t quite managed it this year). I’ve good reasons for doing this. After Thanksgiving it is harder to get a salesclerk to help you; the lines are longer at the cash register; and many popular items are already picked-over or sold out.

Over the years I’ve learned that the two biggest stress factors in a holiday like Christmas is 1) time 2) money.  Spreading out your shopping time, as well as your expenditures, will make for a happier holiday season.  And isn’t that what we all want?  To really enjoy the holidays with family and friends?  Doing the above makes this possible for me. But most importantly, it gives me the stress-free time to reflect on Jesus. After all, Jesus is the reason for the season.

Until next week,

Sylvia