Early Christmas Shopping

5 good reasons to start your Christmas shopping early (start now):

1. you have the next 3 months' salary (September to November) to buy gifts for your loved ones, and you then still have your December salary to spend on things other than gifts
2. if you start now, you have time to really think about meaningful gifts for family and friends instead of doing last minute panic-shopping when you often end up buying expensive crap
3. you can take your time and look around and find gifts that will really be suitable for people; remember to also look at what's available online and perhaps visit some of the upcoming Christmas markets
4. you won't have to be in the shopping malls with the other crazies in early December
5. you will definitely be less stressed and frazzled about Christmas - less stress about a lack of time and limited budget and the endless 'to do' list

 

I'm starting slowly, I've made my list, and there are now a few things in my Christmas gift box.  I'm thinking about giving 'experiences' to some of my nearest and dearest...something like a coffee date or spa date or picnic where I get to spend time with them. 

 

One of my birthday gifts in January was a day out to go birding with my friend Bridget - she packed the picnic basket, fetched me early in the morning and we had a wonderful day out at a nature reserve.  I had such a great time, so I'm thinking about this type of gift for some of my family and friends for Christmas - less stuff and more time together.  I'll see where this idea goes but I like it...

Take your time, make your list, look around at what's available and then buy a few gifts each month.  You'll be done before you know it.  It's ok if you think I'm crazy; I'll wave at you as you rush by me in the malls in a frazzled state while I gently sip my cappuccino.  Just saying...

PS : if we're organized, we can focus on what Christmas is really about - celebrating the birth of Christ.