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Holiday shopping can be stressful. You may be faced with long lines and crowds packed into tight spaces - so how do you make it easy on yourself?

SHOP SMARTER, NOT HARDER
Sometimes it's hard to find the perfect gift - so you wander around aimlessly until something strikes your fancy and argue it's pros and cons with yourself (hopefully silently). That's all well and good, as long as it's not during Holiday shopping time! You can wander around aimlessly on the internet the night before you shop - that way, when something strikes your fancy and you want to mumble aloud about it, it's okay! Additionally, it will save you time the next day; you can make a beeline for the gift, go straight to the checkout, and be off.

HAVE FUN WITH IT
Waiting in long lines causes stress - you've got time to think about all of the other things you need to get done and how you'll never find the time to do it. Distract yourself while you're in line - read a book, fiddle with your iPod, or play your little one's handheld game. Just pay attention to when the herd is moving forward - the other people in line, who are wishing they'd thought to bring a distraction, may not be very forgiving if you hold up the process.

WALK IN YOUR OWN SHOES
Forget about walking a mile in someone else's shoes - they're likely to be uncomfortable anyway. You'll be on your feet most of the day while you hunt for gifts in the mall, so wear something comfy. Imagine how upset you would be if you had to come home empty-handed because you just couldn't handle those toe-pinchers any more! Wear comfortable clothes, too - the mall isn't a catwalk, so while you shouldn't really show up in your PJ's, there's nothing wrong with being comfortably casual. You'll feel better than you would if you had to spend the day adjusting straps or sucking it in, so take that into consideration.

SMILE
One of the best sayings is, "Whenever you see someone without a smile, give him one of yours." Come on, it's the Holidays - spread a little cheer! You're likely to see a bunch of dour, frowning faces at the mall during the shopping rush; don't be one of them. A smile doesn't only brighten the recipient's day - it will brighten yours, too! It helps alleviate stress for all involved, and your smile may help someone who needs it. They'll also wonder what kind of happy secret you're hiding, but that's just an added bonus.

While Holiday shopping can test the patience of a saint, you can go forward armed with the knowledge that it isn't going to be a horrible day. It will be what you make it, so make it pleasant!

Learn more about this author, Angie Papple.
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