Every year I am almost always finished my Christmas shopping by December 1 (with the exception of odds & ends and stocking stuffers). My thought was that by getting everything ahead of time I would be more organized and on the ball, when in fact I think it’s made me less organized.
When it’s time to wrap, I go through various rooms in the house collecting presents that I’ve hidden and every year it’s the same…
I bought more that I needed to.
Or bought more for one kid than another.
Or everything on their list has changed.
Or I find things that I totally forgot I picked up in September.
Or there are way more odds and ends than can fit into a stocking.
Have I learned nothing?
Well. Apparently I have.
I haven’t bought much in the way of presents yet and I feel good about it.
I’ve got a list of who is getting what. From that list I made a list of what I have to buy and what I have to make (yes! I’m doing several homeade gifts this year – crafty me!)
Oh! and one thing, people – do me a favour and do NOT go to the mall any time of any day in December in a hurry. Do not go to the mall at any time of any day in December and be mean or rude or cranky to anyone.
What’s your method to an organized holiday? Are you an early shopper? Last minute?
Any tips or strategies you can share?
I start shopping from now right until the 24th, I find – and I nearly always end up doing a massive wrap-job on the eve. I’m determined not to do that again this year. And I try to stick to a budget as well… things can get out of hand REALLY FAST without one!
Happy, Happy… Joy, Joy…!! xox
I’m not usually done by Dec 1, but I have made all the same mistakes: buying too much, uneven present distribution between the kids, too many stuffers to stuff in each stocking…it’s gotten so crazy now that I actually make a spreadsheet so that I can be sure I’m at least somewhat close to budget, I don’t overbuy and I’m being fair and equitable with the presents. Ahh, technology. What did we do without it?
all i try to do is wrap what i buy within 1 hour of getting home. everything else i can handle. the thought of staring at a large pile of gifts to wrap is my #1 dislike. and, you are so right, BE NICE! 🙂
Ah PERSPECTIVE. So refreshing. Thank you Merry Christmas AND Happy Holidays to you.
Be Kind. Be Thankful. Be Merry.