I keep hearing how Christmas is in 2 months! That seems so soon! I really enjoy the whole Christmas experience; from shopping and baking and decorating to worshiping and the family dinners. But I don't enjoy crazy stores or feeling like I just HAVE to find a certain something. I've been shopping online a lot the past few years. I did some Black Friday shopping one year and regretted it. I was out looking for a few specific things that were really good deals; but I was so exhausted afterward. I had cooked Thanksgiving dinner the day before and then couldn't sleep because I was so anxious about getting those things. I actually; in my exhaustion, took a wrong turn driving home and ended up taking quite the scenic route home.
It might help if I had a shopping buddy; but that just means more ground to cover in those crowds. Crowds are definitely NOT my thing! I also feel bad for the people who have to WORK all that time! Retail can be really difficult work! (Been there!!)
So I've been thinking; I'd like to be done or nearly done by Thanksgiving. I've already seen a Black Friday ad posted online. I'm not sure that my kids are necessarily looking for any of the "hot" toys of the year. They don't really know to give me lists anyway.
I'm not sure I'll save much money. I can price shop online and I'm pretty methodical about it for the most part; setting budgets and shopping from lists rather than emotions (most of the time). I have a spreadsheet and everything. We don't really buy much in the way of toys for them unless it's Christmas or their birthdays; so I do like to do it up a bit. (I have friends who buy WAY more than I do; but who am I to tell them how to spend their money or raise their kids?)
I have to ship things to my nieces and nephews. My SIL and I trade wrapping duties and ship direct to each other. It's so much simpler for us that way! My husband works a lot during the Christmas season; so it's mostly on me to make the memories with the kids.
I just keep thinking how nice it will be to have that done and out of the way so I can focus on the rest of the season. Part of me thinks I should wait and not rush things too. I say I don't want to be focused on the material side of it and the thought of shopping now makes me feel like I am. But then I won't have to be later. Or will I end up picking up some extra things once stores are all decorated and playing carols; so I spend more than intended. I guess there may not be a perfect solution.
How about you? Do you shop early, late or not at all? How do you feel about the shopping standards that have become the norm these days?
So I've been thinking; I'd like to be done or nearly done by Thanksgiving. I've already seen a Black Friday ad posted online. I'm not sure that my kids are necessarily looking for any of the "hot" toys of the year. They don't really know to give me lists anyway.
I have to ship things to my nieces and nephews. My SIL and I trade wrapping duties and ship direct to each other. It's so much simpler for us that way! My husband works a lot during the Christmas season; so it's mostly on me to make the memories with the kids.
I just keep thinking how nice it will be to have that done and out of the way so I can focus on the rest of the season. Part of me thinks I should wait and not rush things too. I say I don't want to be focused on the material side of it and the thought of shopping now makes me feel like I am. But then I won't have to be later. Or will I end up picking up some extra things once stores are all decorated and playing carols; so I spend more than intended. I guess there may not be a perfect solution.
How about you? Do you shop early, late or not at all? How do you feel about the shopping standards that have become the norm these days?