Public Spark

Whether it be shopping for Thanksgiving goodies or Christmas presents, holiday shopping can be fun, but can also be overwhelming. The malls transform into an atmosphere filled with many products strategically placed to attract maximum shoppers and even the internet world is constantly luring more customers. The following are 10 ways to ease into the holiday shopping season.

1. Budget!

   Perhaps this is one of the most important aspects in reducing stress for me. Holidays are a time when I tend to spend more money. However, it is important to stay within the means and there are many ways to do it and still be thoughtful.

2. Make a list

   I am fond of lists in general, but I feel it is a necessity during the holidays. It helps to stay organized, not just so I don’t forget someone, but so that I don’t go over my budget. By keeping a list, I can see who I already got gifts for and who I didn’t so I don’t double up. Furthermore, it is good for writing holiday cards. I also recycle the lists every year, so I don’t have to keep thinking it up.

3. Good-old-fashioned making things

   I love making things for people, even though I am not a professional artiste. It’s fun, can be a stress reducer, and also be low cost. Even if it is not the best, the thoughtfulness can really touch people’s hearts. I like to make scrapbooks, photo books like on www.shutterfly.com, drawings, baking cakes/ cookies, making candles on www.basin.com, care packages with fruits and candy, etc. My mom who is an accountant found out her skill in drawing flowers on cards.

4. Avoid busy days like Black Friday or days close to Christmas

   Although some people love shopping for deals and can handle busy days, other people might benefit by picking a better, not so busy time. You might also want to limit the amount of shopping that you do so you don’t get overwhelmed with crowd stress or credit card debt.

5. Shop Online

   I usually like to shop on sites like amazon.com
   
   I keep an eye out for online coupons or free shipping offers. It saves me gasoline money, luxury of shopping anytime, and I can also find unique gifts.

6. Have family and friends to go with

   There is still something to be said about actually going to the shopping center. If you go at off-peak hours and not wait until close to the holidays, it can be relaxing. It can be more fun having people to go with. My mom and I usually like to go shopping together and we designate a mother-daughter day to do it.

7. Relax time/ down time

   As with anything that can potentially be stressful, having a down time to take care of yourself is important.

8. Depression

   It can be a concern for the holidays because of the change in season or because of feelings of loss that can be associated with the holidays.

9. Holiday lunch/dinner

   It helps to order certain foods in advance. For example, my mom usually orders pot roasts or turkey, weeks in advance for Thanksgiving.

10. Fresh Christmas tree at the beginning of December

    In addition to having more selection and being less expensive, you can have more time to enjoy the Christmas tree when purchased early. Surprisingly, the trees can last a month, as long as you give it water and some nutrients.

Please share some stories or tips. Enjoy the holidays!