Sunday, November 8, 2009

I'm Ready to Shop, But It's Just Too Soon


I heard the first Christmas television ad of the year last night. At least it was the first that actually penetrated my psyche. It did make me feel like I should start my Christmas shopping, but I can't just yet. It is a little too soon. I am not one of those people who can do my shopping for Christmas in October or November and get everything wrapped and put away in the closet to wait for the big day. Nope, once I start I can't stop. I have to wait until I barely have time to get it all done, just sliding under the wire around Christmas Eve.

 If I did start now, or if I had started in October, I could probably have it all done and ready to go by the first of December and be set to sit back with a cup of egg nog and enjoy the season. I could do they that, but I know I wouldn't. I have tried it before and it just didn't work. I am not a particularly good shopper or a very smart shopper. I don't really like to shop, for anything. I am an impulse shopper and the spirit of the season just keeps those impulses snapping no matter what I have already bought.

I will have a list of things that are needed and wanted by a family that is struggling this year, and this year there are many struggling. I will get that done first, and that may be the best shopping of all.

6 comments:

  1. I'm with you on shopping, all the way! I'm beginning to hear how some are getting these great deals by shopping now. It makes me a little anxious, but I keep telling myself to wait just a little longer!

    Hope your November holidays are great!

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  2. You're a far better woman than I.

    I don't like Christmas shopping. Avoid it. Last year, instead of exchanging gifts with our family (except our children - who each got one gift), we donated $1,500 to the Jacksonville City Rescue Mission in the names of our family members. It was very satisfying {maybe not for them so much... I mean, no Christmas presents?} and we asked that in lieu of giving us gifts, they make a donation in our names. They did. Also satisfying. But I think the family thinks we've totally lost our marbles.

    Not sure what we're going to do this year. I'd like to repeat - I mean, the homeless need our dollars more than we need crystal champagne flutes - but we haven't discussed our plan yet.

    If I had a bottomless wallet, I think I'd enjoy shopping more. Maybe this year will be different...

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  3. 4 years ago we spent Christmas in Canada and I know what you are talking about! There is so much to see and lust after, and me being an impulse buyer as well, could almost not stop myself. Luckily for me, we only have few stores here in our little town, and there is not much "newness" here to entice me, so I can control myself.
    But I do love Christmas shopping in the city. If all goes well I get to go next week. Can´t wait!

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  4. I completed all Christmas shopping in October one time. It wasn't fun at all. Much better to be stressed and standing in long lines. Now, I always wait until mid December.

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  5. Last year I sat down at the computer with my list and shopped. I was able to use coupon codes plus get free shipping on most items and did it all in a couple of hours. I did this the day after Thanksgiving and it all went so well I will probably do it again this year.

    Ya'll have a wonderful day and God Bless!!!

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  6. I was at Target today and the store had it Christmas decorations up!!!! I yi yi, I am so not ready for shopping. Maybe I can bribe you to do my shopping :-)
    xo

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