December 3, 2007
A Kinder Gentler Time of Year
I was actually going to blog about something else today but I decided it just didn’t deserve the attention and it’s hard to stay positive in the face of stupid assholes, I’m going to continue to be a good girl and just hope karma bites them in the ass it all works out in the end.
Anyway this is a crazy, hectic time of year. Along with our day-to-day lives (jobs, kids, bill paying, errands etc) we’re all out Christmas shopping, getting ready for holiday parties, allegedly making plans with family and everyones in a hurry! Everyone!
So here’s my gentle reminder dear readers….slow down, take a deep breath and remember those pedestrains crossing the street in the Target parking lot are as harried as you are.
Here’s a few tips to make your life easier this holiday season:
1. Shop online (and take advantage of free shipping)
2. Better yet, treat yourself to Amazon Prime. Free two day shipping is WELL worth the cost, and you can get damned near ANYTHING on amazon.com. Hell two weeks ago I found a vaccume that was 40.00 cheaper at amazon.com (than target) and I got free shipping.
3. Shop early in the day, before the crowds get bad. If you find yourself at Old Navy/Target/The Mall etc at noon on a Saturday or Sunday, don’t come bitching to me babe….you go no one to blame but yourself :yes:
4. Make a list and check it twice.
Ok now it’s your turn. What are some holiday tips you can share? You’ve got until Sunday to post at which point I’ll be giving away a 30.00 amazon.com gift card—that way you can definitely get free shipping–25.00 Old Navy gift card, or 20.00 iTunes gift card — your choice.
One winner.
GO! :bounce:
I am a HUGE proponent of #4. With 4 kiddos (and one w/ a Dec 15th b-day) you HAVE to (and I keep almost fogetting the b-day–he’d totally kill me!)
Being anal pays off BIG TIME at Christmas. I have lists for my lists. I plan ahead a lot and eBay is a good thing too… the kidds know the cost of things nowadays and mine at least, think it’s uber cool to get a good deal on something, especially if it is hard to find
Dennie you know when Elvis asked for an Xbox he specifically said refurbed from Gamestop!
You already gave the best tip. Shopping online. I’d say 80% of my stuff is purchased online.
TIP: This may not help you this year, but if you’re expecting company, start saving up in January to hire a maid service to clean the house. Just put a little away each month and by December you’ll have more than enough to get the complete works—including windows!
Smart kid!
You just mentioned it…
Gift cards, gift cards, gift cards.
Easy to find. No hassle. No worries about sizes, colors, preferences.
You can’t choose the wrong gift if they use it to buy their own.
I’m really big on gift cards.
And Raine…now the grocery stores even sell them!
Tanya that’s a FAB idea!!!! O’course i never have company but still it’s great
Good thing I don’t have to shop too much. I take care of most of my presents by giving gift cards. :D
I say grab some Starbucks (coffee or cocoa) and drive around and check out the lights while listening to holiday music!! But yes, Amie, deep breath in and try for patience and understanding.
And another tip…if you’re cooking, order your meat already prepared (ie honeybaked hams, and damn near any bbq place). Then delegate side dishes to visitors and get kids involved in helping cook–my boys love getting in the kitchen.
Tell everyone they’ve been bad and you’re off the hook.
That’ll work, Bailey.
Shop online. If you can’t find what they are wanting, buy them a gift card. That way they can choose what they want. I’ve been meaning to start shopping early and getting in on some sales but I am always a late shopper.
The sooner you send your cards out, the better. Don’t wait till 3 days before Xmas. And go to the post office first thing in the morning. By 10am, you’ll be in line for at least 45 mins.
or buy your stamps online!! you cang et them in about a week
Gift cards. That’s my tip. The first person who complains, you take it right back and say, “Since you don’t appreciate my gift, then I’ll give it to someone else in need. Like my wallet.” Next year, give them nothing except your appreciation.
There’s always people selling stuff for charity fund raisers at work and they sell cool stuff. I do a lot of my xmas shopping throughout the year this way. Not only do I miss the stores and crowds, I’m donating to worth causes and get to write it off on my taxes.
Seriously though, I’ve had friends that I’ve known for 30 years and it’s hard to buy for them, so a few years ago I decided to take the money I would spend on them and buy a toy for the Angel Tree (or whatever you have in your area). Then I would give them a card and tell them that since Christmas was really for children then for their Christmas gift, so and so from (insert institution here) received a toy for Christmas.
Bailey, that’s a wonderful idea. I don’t think anyone on my list would appreciate the gesture though. We’re all pretty materialistic
I’m agree with the shopping online. Gift certificates are the way to go. No lines and no crowds. If I do brave the stores and the mall, I will make sure to take a break and have some coffee or hot chocolate and rest for a few minutes.
Bailey I suggested that to my mom one year and she looked at me like I’d just suggested I sell my body down on Harry Hines!
Well I am all about the eBay!!! You can always get great deals there!!!
Plus I always start shopping early early on… I always look for clearance racks to see what all there is!!! I usually find pretty good deals that the kids will love!
Oh & Target the few days after Christmas - 90% off of Christmas wrap!!! HUGE!!!
In the vein of MIk’s post…..don’t park where you have to walk through high-end department stores to get to the mall….and again, go early or suck it up
Alicia that’s great if you can shop early…some of us have to wait for Christmas bonuses but I’m with you on the Ebay! I got my son’s WII (which he totally didn’t think he was getting) from there last year. Needless to say he was SO SURPRISED!