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for me it is not entirely impossible. Every year on the day after Christmas my entire extended family gets together. We do not see each other a whole lot so we end up exchanging generic gifts such as gift certificates and bottles of wine. I did try very hard to cut down on the amount of gifts we give each other by suggestions such as a secret Santa or only giving gifts to the kids. Without going into great detail, let's just say my ideas were not well received. Thank goodness my immediate family is a lot easier going.

8. Every other year I donate to charity in the names of my extended family. It costs less than bottles of wine and gift certificates but it means so much more.

9. I buy in bulk. On the years that I do not donate in the names of family members, I buy in bulk from places like Costco. They sell delicious boxes of European chocolate in packages of three. Costco also sells bulk ornaments, candle holders, and home made cards.

10. My last and perhaps most important tip is that I never let myself fall into the "one up" game. If you have never heard of it before, this game is the one where the contestants feel the need to outdo themselves and each other every gift giving season. If Aunt Shirley bought me a sweater last year that looks like it costs $50, I do not have to buy her a gift this year that costs $75, $60, or even $50. I will spend what I have budgeted for and not a penny more. Along the same lines, if I bought my brother a video game last year that he is still going on about, I do not need to buy him something even bigger and better and more expensive this year.

These are my strategies for a successful and pain free holiday shopping season. With a game plan like this, how could I not love holiday shopping?!?

Learn more about this author, Nanette.
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