THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 23, 1995 TAG: 9511220057
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KAREN SANTOS, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK
LENGTH: Long : 108 lines
HERE WE GO again! The Christmas rush is on and there's no turning back. There are only 31 days left until Christmas!
I intended to start this year's shopping in January and do a little each month. That's the only way to avoid destroying my cash flow, checking, savings accounts and credit card balances.
Well I failed. Where is St. Nick when we need him? Or even better, where's that winning lottery ticket?
I would rather have more time to reflect on the reason for the season, family and friends, but since there seems no way around it, I guess I just have to shop. Here are a few quick tips that may help lighten your load during this holiday season.
Write your Christmas cards (if don't have them, shame on you) after your Thanksgiving feast. You're probably too stuffed to budge from the sofa anyway, so you might as well get something done.
Mark your calendar and make each day productive; add a small chore each day and check it each morning. Record each event you want to attend on your calendar.
Start checking for sales, they are already out there. Remember the day after Thanksgiving is one of the biggest shopping days of the year, and merchants are eager for you to start spending money.
Take a day off from work during the week and skip the weekend mobs.
Stores are least crowded at dinner time, between 5 and 7 p.m. You can get a lot done if you shop during those hours.
Catalog shopping can save a lot of hassles.
Check for sales the night before you head out for gift buying.
Keep a list of which store has the items you want to purchase.
Consider gift certificates for merchandise, services, entertainment and dining, even traveling and telephone calls for that student away from home.
Mall services range from gift wrapping, boxes, free wheelchairs, shuttles to vehicles, escorts, coat checks and a postal kiosk where stamps may be purchased and packages mailed. Take advantage of these and the extended shopping hours.
When making your list, think of the person's hobby.
Start giving a collection piece to continue each year. My mother gave my daughter a gold chain and adds pearls each year.
For young children, give a savings bond. Children can only enjoy so many toys, and you get more bang for your buck. Parents will need the help when it comes to college education.
Make a list. Do not purchase anything that is not on your list - unless it's for yourself of course.
Set a price limit for each gift and stick with it.
Eat a hearty, high carbohydrate breakfast the days you plan to shop.
Wear a fanny pack instead of a purse. It frees both hands, won't weigh you down and discourages purse snatchers.
Take advantage of the early morning sales. That way you can park close to the store entrance, making it easier to take packages to the car frequently.
Be cautious. Have your keys in hand before leaving the store. Be sure to keep packages out of sight and your car locked. Make note of your parking spot so you don't have to roam around.
Take five- to 10-minute breaks to rest your feet and allow yourself time to review your list.
Share a list with a friend. If you're both looking for some of the same items, split it up.
Break for lunch. You will need to keep your energy level high.
Gift baskets with assorted items are always welcome.
Treat yourself to a massage or pedicure at the end of the day. You deserve it.
Keep all receipts for returns.
Holiday Hints
Stock up on firewood.
Mail invitations to holiday events early, REAL early. It's common to be invited to more than one event for the same day.
Join a group of friends and go caroling.
Save time to spend with your family and share in some of the local holiday happenings.
Pick up extra batteries, and buy more than you think you need.
If mailing gifts, get them in the mail at least two weeks before Christmas.
Make sure you pick up extra wrapping paper, tape, name tags and bows.
Wrapping gifts can be a family effort. One can wrap, one can handle name tags, and little ones can stick on bows.
For Christmas baking, do a cookie swap. Have friends and family each make a different type of cookie. Then trade with each other.
Buy extra hors d'oeuvres and beverages for entertaining drop-in guests. The local wholesale clubs are a great resource.
Stock up on holiday paper products like napkins, cups and dessert plates.
Pick up a few extra, inexpensive gifts for those unexpected ones you receive. Have them wrapped and attach a blank tag for quick gift giving. Pretty sneaky, huh?
Purchase extra ornament hooks, Christmas replacement bulbs and extension cords now.
Make sure all the strands of lights are in working order before putting them on the tree.
Buy fresh greens early and keep them in cold water until ready for use.
When leaving home, make sure Christmas lights are unplugged.
Prepare your menu list and buy your food in advance, when possible. Some items you may be able to prepare ahead of time and freeze.
Make sure you have film and blank video tapes to capture those memories.
Don't forget stocking stuffers.
Remember man's best friends. Your dog or kitty may enjoy a pet stocking or new toy.
Most of all, enjoy yourself and have a very happy holiday.
In January
Start next year's buying. Nah, take a month off. by CNB