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get the job done. But you can use that time to have a leisurely cup of coffee or take your child to see Santa. Also bring addresses along and ask the stores if they ship. This will save a lot of time and energy having to haul gifts home to wrap and then making another trip to the post office.

Shop early or late in the day when the mall is less crowded. There will be fewer distractions, more parking spaces, and shorter lines. If you must shop during the rush hours, have your car valet parked.

Shop with a motivated friend. There are some people who are focused and efficient, and there are some people who dilly dally and insist that you look at everything they are interested in. Shop with someone who has the same determination to get the job done like you do, or you will waste hours and have nothing to show for your time.

If inspiration doesn't strike you, purchase gifts everyone likes. Gourmet foods, wine, specialty coffees, candy, flowers, fruit, and imported cheeses are gifts everyone likes. Magazine subscriptions, movie tickets, and gift cards to favorite restaurants are a few other gifts universally enjoyed.

Dress for the task and pace yourself. Wear comfortable walking shoes, not high heels. If purchasing many items, take along a cart or stroller you can use to tote your purcases from store to store. Take a break now and then for coffee or lunch. This is a good way to reassess your plan and strategize for the remaining hours of shopping.

Use your credit card. Although as a general rule, credit cards are best left at home and used only for emergency purchases, this is the time to use them. If bad luck befalls you and someone steals your gifts, you have a record. Also, putting purchases on credit cards make returns much easier. Just make sure you keep track as expenditures mount up so you'll be able to pay off your card when the bill arrives.

Finally, just have fun. Wear a Santa hat or your gaudiest holiday sweater. Take some time to enjoy the decorations and window displays as well as some of the special events provided by the malls. Enjoy the holiday music and take in the total experience. You could even buy yourself a little something for all your hard work.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Wordsmith.
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