Why is it that somehow we always make Christmas Shopping worse than it has to be?
We get so stressed out and create more work for ourselves and every year we tell ourselves that THIS YEAR we are going to be organized and not make the same mistakes. Does it work? No, not usually!
I heard two women talking the other day when I was in line at the check out, "I need a break, I am ready for a nervous breakdown, I can't find anything that I am looking for!" was the comment of the first lady. The one that was standing behind her in line said, "I know what you mean, I sure am getting a BAH HUMBUG FEELING!!."
I, of course have to solve every ones problems, so I opened my mouth (as usual), "Why don't you go home and use the internet and order what you want? You have plenty of time for it to get here and then you can shop for the things that you know are here and on sale?" They both looked at each other and started laughing, my first thought was, "O My gosh, They think I am a lunatic!".
But, the first lady thanked me for mentioning it, put a couple of x"s on her list in front of some names and said, "Okay, now I only have three people to buy for and I am finished Christmas shopping!" The second lady said, "I am headed home to a warm house, a hot cup of coffee and my computer!." They both wished me a Merry Christmas (yes, some people still believe in the old tradition of Christmas no matter what religion you are!) and were on there way. My work had been finished, I saved someone some sanity!!
I have simple basic steps that I follow every year that may help keep your shopping stress free. try these;
1. Make a list of all of the people you have to buy for
2. On one side of the paper list all of the ideas that you have for that person
3. On the other side of the paper write down all of the items that you have purchased for them
4. If the item is on sale someplace, write down (behind the name on the idea side) what store it is at
5. All other presents I shop on the internet for ( keyword- name of item with the word sale or clearance) this way I find the bargains
6. As I wrap the presents, I put a little check mark in front of the gift so I know it is finished and ready for Christmas
Now that is what I call Stress-free shopping! I don't have to wonder what I bought, who I bought for, IF I bought it and if it is wrapped. By the way, I also ask for a gift receipt and automatically put it in the box, it avoids embarassment.
Now I have more time for cookie baking, candy making and enjoying the time of the season after all I have a Birthday Cake to plan for too. Isn't that really what Christmas is all about?
Jan Hayner is a Professional Organizer and creator of www.organizingandcleaning.com, she offers tips, hints and shortcuts to everyday problems with organizing your home, work, family and life. She also offers shortcuts on cleaning your house, recipes for cleaners and tips to make the jobs faster and easier.
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