by Kirsten Petersen

Created on: December 21, 2008

A Procrastinator's Guide to Holiday Shopping

Every year we tell ourselves that we'll avoid the holiday rush and buy all of our gifts early. But inevitably, for one reason or another, we find ourselves braving the crowds for some last minute gifts. With the pressure to please family and create the perfect and memorable holiday, it's easy to get stressed out.

But there is still a way to have a good time, even when you're last-minute shopping at the busiest time of year. The following tips should help.

1. Take a moment to gather yourself. Before you rush out the door, make your gift list. Group items by the stores where you can find them, and prioritize your list so you don't miss the really important people. (Does your dentist really need a gift? Probably not. But if you forget Mom, you're in trouble.) Do a quick check to make sure you have everything you'll need - wallet, cash, cards, keys, etc. Stress makes us forgetful, and you'll be sorry if you wait in line for 20 minutes only to find you left your credit card at home.

2. Plan to take it slow. Parking is going to be rough. Everyone is going to be in a daze. There will be crowded aisles and long lines, so get used to the idea now. Disabuse yourself of the notion that you can "just run in and grab" something. Chances are, you can't.

3. Be kind to yourself. Take breaks between stores to get a coffee or a snack. Maybe pick out a little something for yourself, too. Why not?

4. Be kind to your fellow shoppers. They're probably at least as stressed as you are. And stress makes us stupid. Go easy on the person who steals your parking spot, or cuts in front of you in the toy aisle. Be polite to the checker, say something funny. It doesn't cost you anything, and it will keep your spirits up.

5. Put some money in the donation tin. You know, the folks who are ringing the bells. It only takes a second, and it will make you feel good. Plus, they'll probably say "bless you", and that's always nice to hear. If you have kids, have them put the donation in. They'll enjoy it, and it will make you smile.

6. Tips for parents. Speaking of kids, if you're stuck bringing them, try to bring another adult along, too. That way, one of you can stand in line while the other tours the annoying singing decorations aisle with your impatient 3-year-old. Also, it sometimes helps to pick out a small toy that your child can have right away - even better if it's something they can play with while you're waiting in the check-out line.

7. Be flexible. If you walk into a place that's a total nightmare, walk out. The post office, for example. Try coming back later, at a less popular time of day. Also, be willing to revise your gift ideas. Maybe you can't get to the hardware store to buy that drill your brother wanted, but you see something else that would work instead. Buy the alternate gift and save yourself a trip. He'll never know.

Mostly, try to have fun. Holiday shopping can be a blast, even at the last minute. There's no reason we procrastinators can't enjoy the holiday season, too.

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