So, it's that time again. Fall. And what's right around the corner? That's right. Christmas. And what's worse than last minute shopping? Not a whole lot. Last minute shopping comes with too many emotions: fear, dread, anger, remorse, and the ever hated regret and resentment.
Christmas for my family is a time to celebrate. Not just celebrate getting and giving, but to celebrate being together, and most importantly the Birth of Jesus. So, why allow Christmas to steal your cheer, as it has mine so many times?
Don't. I stopped this mess a long time ago. This is what I do. Around now, mid October I log on to Amazon.com. No You don't have to shop there (though it's a good way to avoid the rush at holidays), but it will help organize the things you must buy for Christmas. Espescially if you are like me and have more than one school age child or younger. I have to date a 2 year old boy, and 6, 8 and 9 year old girls, with one more bundle coming the end of March (sex is unknown). So, what I do is start watching the comercials. And you WILL see plenty of them. Our TV is rarely on anything BUT Nick Jr., or Disney Channel so of course I see plenty of toy comercials. You'll hear your kids saying the occasional, "Wow!" or "EW I want/need THAT!" and take note. Even my 2 year old sees toys and says, "ME!" And I say, "Oh do you want that?" And he replys with a smile, and an, "KAY!"-As he has not yet mastered "yes" as a way of responding but replaces it with "Kay."
I will then write them down and when I get a moment, I'll log into Amazon.com, and look up the toys and if they are worth it or interesting, I'll add it to my WISH LIST. This is a free service AMAZON offers so you can be notified if the price goes down, or up, and when it goes down, I order it, and avoid the Christmas rush. Here is one of my Just started lists for 2013. Click on it and it shows the price and the toy, and if you are buying for multiple people like myself, you can write notes as to who its for, or where it's going on sale, and even print your list and take it to the store. Check it out, make your own, whatever.
Sample Christmas Wish List
Next step: Buying for adults. My kids are in many programs, Bible Study, Girl Scouts, the Gifted Program, SCHOOL. So, I always have access to fundraisers. Though most things are expensive, you can stock up on things this way for adults. Ever have Christmas dinner and someone show up you do not have a gift for? Me too. This will help you not only buy for those adults you have on your list, but you can also have a few extra gifts "just incase." This year I took advantage of my oldest daughter's gifted program by ordering mason jar candles for only $8 each for adults. I also hit my youngest daughters Girl Scout Nut and Magazine sale, got each kid a magazine subscription for Christmas, but also bought 10 cans and jars of nuts because they are great adult Christmas gifts that are priced at $5-$8. This helps kid's activities and you at Christmas, as they ALWAYS come by November.
Finally, I visit the Dollar store regularly. The reason is, everything is $1 and there are SO many awesome stocking stuffers for the kids, and great containers to stuff home baked cookies in for gifts to friends, family and neighbors.
This is just a quick note on How to Jump Ahead On Christmas Shopping by Starting in the FALL. Shopping early means less stress and more time for family and to enjoy the meaning of Christmas.
Look for part 2.
xoxo
Megs
