by Susan Fenn

Created on: November 03, 2009

How to Survive the Holiday Shopping Season

You've put up the tree, decked the halls, baked cookies and pies, and haven't wrapped a single gift because shopping during the holidays is the pits. How do you survive the holiday shopping season with a full head of hair?

1. When bringing the kids pack a small bag with juice boxes and snacks.

Having a hungry child in the middle of the busiest shopping season is enough to drive a nun to curse. Not only does it keep their minds (and hands) off the candy it also ensure that they'll devour something healthy and not cavity building sweets.

2. Make a list and check it twice.

If it works for Santa it can work for you too. Make a list of everyone that's left to shop for with an idea of what to buy them jotted beside of their name. Then pick up the phone book or go to www.yellowpages.com and let your fingers do the work for you. Calling ahead is the easiest way to ensure that items on your list are available. And most places will hold items for you at their customer service desk for a maximum of 24 hours.

3. Plot your course.

Don't drive past the same spot twice because you didn't have a "war" plan. If you have to go to Wal-mart, Target, Macy's and Spencer's plot out the most direct route. This will not only save time it will also save gas and that's a "Thinking Green" decision.

4. Don't forget coupons and specials

Economically speaking Black Friday may seem like the best time to shop. But do your price checking before the sales ads attack your house the week of Thanksgiving. Sometimes manufacturers and retail shops will increase the price right before a big sale. Knowing this in advance will help you decide if it's really worth getting up at 5am and plowing down the people around you for your "perfect" gift. As the season moves closer to "C" Day the discounts and coupons are amped up. Keep your receipts handy, most retailers will allow you to return an item within thirty days if the price drops!

5. Take care of the basics

Don't shop hungry or tired. Not taking care of the basics will make the entire process that much more daunting. Don't try to be superwoman or man. If you start at 6am and by 11am you're all shopped out go home and relax. Give yourself time to recharge.

The holidays can be tiresome for the most experience shoppers, but the most important advice is to remember that this is the time of year to focus on family. The most valuable gift you could ever give is one on one time with the ones you love.

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