10 Ways to Make Christmas Shopping Less Painful… Okay 11

You can either love Christmas shopping, or you can hate it. Personally, I would rather love it, so I put together this list of things that I have done in the past that has made the holiday season… merry!

1. Always shop with some sort of a list. I will spend twice as much if I don’t do a bit of planning.

2. Decide on a budget for each person on the list.

3. Shop year round. I try to pick up something every month, even if it’s just a stocking stuffer. It all adds up to an impressive collection under the tree and you will save tons by hitting the sales.

4. Shop alone or go with a friend but separate for an hour or so. I will get twice as much accomplished if I head to the stores that I have on my list rather than perusing with a shopping buddy. The best part of this tip is the fact that we meet up at lunch time and recharge our batteries with a great meal and some girl chat.

5. If you plan on buying clothes, have the sizes written down before you go. No point in guessing.

6. Decide before hand that you are going to enjoy the day. Have you noticed how many scowling faces are out in the shopping malls? This is supposed to be the best time of the year, but from some of the expressions, you would never know it.

7. Keep notes on the likes and dislikes of each person on your list. Trust me, they will drop little hints all year long without even realizing it.

8. If in doubt give a gift certificate. I simply love going shopping on someone else’s dime!

9. If you are sick to death of Christmas music being played all day long while you shop (doesn’t bother me a bit) feel free to take your Ipod/mp3 player with you containing all of YOUR favorites.

10.. And I have to admit, this  has to be an all time favorite… When you have accumulated all of your Christmas gifts for the year, treat yourself to a Christmas present. No one can pampering you like YOU can! I am extremely good at buying presents for me.

11. I just thought of this one and had to add it at the last minute. Decide before hand that you are going to enjoy your Christmas shopping as much as you did when your Mom or Dad took you to the mall as a kid. I have noticed so many bored/scowling faces and that’s so sad. Even after I am finished my shopping, I love to go and simply sit and sip a latte and people watch. Every once in a while I will spot someone that is enjoying Christmas every bit as much as me! And that is what Christmas is all about!

*Through the Shopping Glass: A Century of New York Christmas Windows