by Julie Edwards

Created on: December 22, 2006   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

For those of you who still have to enter into the "Last-Minute Christmas Shopping Jungle," please take a look at these five simple survival tips:
1. Wear comfortable shoes. (This one needs no further explanation!)
2. Plan ahead and be organized. Make a list of who and what you're looking for. If you have a general idea of what you're looking for and know what stores to visit, it will save you hours of aimless wandering - and backtracking.

If you geographically map out your route, it will save you time and energy, not to mention gas and from potentially dangerous traveling conditions if your shopping takes you outside of a mall.
Planning ahead will also save you money. If you have an idea of what you're looking for and for how many people, you won't overbuy. Having a list and crossing things off gives you a constant update of what and for whom you still need to buy.
Part of saving money includes setting a budget. Don't charge what you won't earn in a lifetime! Set a budget, and stick to it! (Remember, it's the thought that counts!)
3. Be safe. Bring a buddy. Not only will a friend enhance the entertainment factor of your shopping trip and provide an extra set of eyes for possible gifts, but he or she can also serve as an extra deterrent for possible pick-pockets and the like.
Unfortunately, the holidays bring out the worst in some desperate folks out there. Robbers look for easy targets, and a one-person target is surely easier than a two-person team!
Arrange your purse or wallet so cash and credit cards are easily accessible. If you're fumbling about looking for cash or credit cards, you may drop your cash or credit cards - or other important items - and if your attention is taken off of the packages at your feet, sticky fingers may be able to walk off with one or two of them. (Being organized in this way will also save you time and hassle - and the people in line behind you will appreciate it, too!)
Another important thing to remember is where you parked your car! (You don't want to be wandering around in a dark parking lot with bags full of temptation for would-be thieves!)
4. Use your head. With all the things on our minds during the holidays, it's easy to become absent-minded. So make sure you don't leave your purse, wallet or cash on the sales counter; don't drive off with your trunk still open (you laugh, but it's happened - and in my family!); and pay attention while you're behind the wheel (stressed shoppers don't make good drivers!).
5. Have fun and unwind! We all get stressed out around the holidays because of all the things that need to get done, but, for goodness sake, don't trip the guy in front of you because he's walking too slowly! Be kind! After all, "Tis the season ... !"
To be sure you ward off the scrooge in you, take a moment to relax, regroup or unwind. After walking your feet into another shoe size and working yourself into a huge hunger, take yourself away from the stores and into a calm restaurant (if such a thing exists during the holidays!).
Eat and replenish your energy - you're going to need it to wrap all of those gifts you just bought!

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