Except for a few fresh items required for Christmas dinner, my shopping is done! For those of you poor souls who still need to brave the overcrowded malls, here are ten tips for increasing your chances of making it out relatively intact:
- Protect your hard earned cash! In these tough economic times, people are desperate. The stores and tax man will grab enough. Don't give others the opportunity to also grab some.
- Rather than viewing the long lines as a annoying waste of time, view them as a progressive block party that moves from one store to another. Take the opportunity to meet new people. Who knows, you may meet your future boss, future mother-in-law or future ex!
- Shop at a 24-hour Walmart in the middle of the night. (from accrete)
- Stay calm, get in early (to avoid the crowds and last minute panic sessions), and take time out for a mid-shopping edible treat to replenish energy! (from Ruth Ellison)
- Go with a plan: know what you will get from where. Be prepared with a Plan B! (from Darrell Hyatt)
- Avoid malls all together. Shop at Amazon and use overnight shipping! (from Candie Beachamp)
(Due to the economic downturn, this list of ten tips has been regrettably cut back to six. You are solely responsible for the remaining 40% of your survival. Happy holidays!)
My thoughts will be with you battling the crowds while I lazily sit beside the warm crackling fire, enjoying a mug of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.
