Trimming Your Holiday Gift List
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We’re back from our refreshing vacation — the weather was warm, the cocktails were cool and we had a great time. It was just what we needed to relax and recharge. While we laid by the pool though, holiday music was piping throughout the resort! It was very strange to be basking in the 85 degree sunshine and hearing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer playing in the background.
But it just reminds me that everyone will soon join me in their holiday shopping efforts. If you remember — I started my shopping in August. I do it every year and sometimes I’m even done by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. I’m halfway through with the buying and mostly done with the brainstorming now. Now that I know what my plan of attack will be — it will be easy to get all the shopping done.
One reason I start my shopping early is to stretch out the spending throughout the year so we don’t get one huge credit card bill in December or January. But what do you do if you want to scale back on your holiday gift list but don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings? I was recently quoted in this BankRate.com article, “How to Trim Your Holiday Gift List With Class.” Check out some of my tips about list making, of course, and some other secrets too.
Ha ha … thanks for posting this Paula. I used to be like you … holiday shopping girl in the Summer … but now people are always buying themselves presents all year through. Used to be that you “waited” till your birthday or Christmas/Hanukkah for that big gift – not any more. So in between monitoring facebook and Amazon wishlists to see what goodies people have bought for themselves lately, most of the time my holiday lists tend to look something like this:
* Mom Pat – If she hasn’t already bought this for herself: iPod with songs preloaded or spa gift card or tickets to off broadway play or …
* Mom in law Joan – If she hasn’t already bought this for herself: iPad or Spa gift card or tickets to holiday dance or necklace she admired in Macy’s last week or …
* Daughter in law Shelly – iPad docking station with speakers or …
* Step son Tony – tools or iPad or game system or …
Does anyone else feel my pain?
Hi Darcie —
Thanks for this comment. You are so right — it’s difficult to tell what people haven’t already bought for themselves! You need to get some spies…haha!
Thanks for posting this! Holiday’s should be enjoyable, not stressful. A great article on trimming the excess. Happy Holidays!
Hi Karista —
So glad you found this article helpful! Thanks for your comment. You’re right — we need to all remember what the holidays are all about from time to time! Best,Paula
Welcome back! Glad you had a chance to recharge the batteries – and just in time for the holidays! Thanks for the great tips. I need to get my shopping list in order pronto!
Thanks Laura! Good luck with your holiday shopping list!