Stress-Free Christmas Shopping: Your Survival Guide
Christmas, the most magical time of the year, will soon be upon us, when you’ll be spending time with friends and family, enjoying delicious food and exchanging thoughtful gifts. In theory, it all sounds wonderful, but if you’re not careful, this time of peace on earth and goodwill to all can turn into a huge stress-fest that has you running around like a headless chicken, trying to find that perfect gift for hard-to-please Aunt Margery or locate a stockist for that one present on your kid’s wishlist that is sold out everywhere.
This year, don’t let Christmas rule your life; take control and get organised. Good planning and a little self-help are the key to a fabulous, stress-free Christmas.
First of all, remember these words… It doesn’t have to be perfect. We can so easily put ourselves under pressure to create a story-book-perfect Christmastime that we burn out with the effort. Let’s put it into perspective. Would you care if someone took the time to give you a present, but didn’t put a bow on top or add a mile of beautifully curled ribbon? Would you feel that Christmas was ruined because your friend offered you a shop-bought mince pie, not a homemade one? Of course you wouldn’t! So, chill a little — Christmas should be a fun time to be enjoyed by all – and that includes you!
Write Your Christmas Shopping List
Write a list (and check it twice). Think about everything you need to buy for the festive season, and write it down. Food and drink, presents, an ugly Christmas jumper for the work party—get it all out of your head and onto paper. You’ll instantly feel more on top of things.
Get Started… Now!
You really don’t want to be rushing round the shops on Christmas Eve, grabbing what’s left on the nearly bare shelves because you’ve left everything too late. Don’t procrastinate— get shopping! Keep a list to hand of ideas, and again, bear in mind your new mantra – it doesn’t have to be perfect! A thoughtful present will always be well received, so look for small businesses, local boutiques, and quirky gift shops. You’ll be supporting your local community and discovering unique gift ideas that are just so much more special than mass-produced mainstream products.
Our top tip: Pick up a couple of extra gifts to have on standby for unexpected guests, or if you suddenly remember you’ve forgotten to add someone to your list!
When you get started early, you can shop little by little, picking up a couple of things at a time. This not only massively reduces the stress and panic of Christmas shopping, but it also helps to spread the cost of Christmas over a few months, rather than racking up a huge bill in December! And while we’re on the topic of money, it’s wise to set yourself a budget and stick to it. It is so easy to overspend at Christmas, but you need to have a cutoff – decide when you’re finished and call it done. Don’t fall into the trap of ‘just one more present’ or ‘just one more box of chocolates’.
Take the Time to Spoil Yourself a Little
You’re putting in all this hard work, so you deserve a treat! When you’re Christmas shopping, don’t forget that a little self-care goes a long way. Stop at a local café for a warming mug of hot chocolate, book a relaxing massage, or throw a little something extra into your shopping basket that’s just for you!