It is easy for the Christmas season to sneak up on you. Probably everyone that celebrates Christmas by trading gifts with friends and family has had the nightmare where you completely forget to buy gifts in time and are left empty-handed.
This year, you can eliminate all of your anxieties about Christmas shopping by planning early and setting aside some time to get everything done. That way, all you’ll have to do when the holidays arrive is to sit back with a cup of eggnog and relax. Here are a few practical suggestions to help you get started:
Considering Clothing for Kids
Yes, your kids would rather have toys, but they also need new clothes regularly. While the main gift from Santa should probably be something that your child truly wants, essential articles of clothing make great stocking stuffers. Since you’ll have to buy them anyway, giving your kids clothing as gifts is an economical way to fit more under the tree.
Pairing Family Gifts
Any busy parent will tell you if you’re already shopping for clothes for one of your children, that’s an opportunity to make sure that the rest of your family is well-stocked as well. If you buy matching warm socks for the whole family as individual gifts or as stocking stuffers, you’ll create a fun tradition that is practical and makes Christmas shopping easier year after year.
Paying Attention and Mindful Giving
The only way to ensure that you give gifts that people genuinely want and manage to keep the gift a surprise is to start paying attention early in the year. If you aren’t thinking about gifts during regular conversation, you risk missing out on essential hints. Remain mindful of things that someone on your list talks about needing or noticing when they enjoy something that they don’t own.
Start Your List Early in the Year
The earlier you start thinking about Christmas presents, the better. Remember this process requires a number of steps if you want to be at your best. While you don’t have to do all of your shopping early on, you should start a list of everyone you need to buy gifts for and ideas for each person. It also never hurts to keep a few generic gifts in mind just in case you overlook someone that drops in for a visit.
Christmas shopping can be painful and stressful. It is a challenge to think up a new gift for everyone on your list each year. One way to alleviate this pressure is to start thinking about your options early and pay attention to what your loved ones truly want. Getting a head start will also help you to avoid the chaotic shopping season.
This year, get started early on your Christmas shopping with a few ideas that will cover everyone on your list, like matching thermal socks.
