I usually start my Christmas shopping towards the end of July and I’m usually finished by the time October comes around, give or take a few presents. Yes, I know it sounds crazy but I like being organized in that sense. There’s a lot of people I need to buy for! Almost all shopping is done online too. This year I’m a wee bit lacking in the funds and I do have a list for my regulars, but nothing has been bought. I still can’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed because I’ve been one to not go in debt during the Christmas season, and now I’ve turned into one of those.
I give it all good reason though. I went on a fabulous vacation in September, I bought a car, and a plane ticket home for Christmas in October. That gives me a tolerable reason for being “broke”.
I’ve got everything planned out though. Everyone’s gift has been chosen and I just need to go out and get it. It doesn’t hurt that the females I need to buy for are totally excited to receive some of my freebies that I got throughout the year using coupons [My Mom in fact is very excited to receive her free razors, shampoo, and shave gel!]. Throughout the year I always keep an e-mail draft in my gmail account and write down ideas for people’s gifts. Especially, when they subconsciously mention things throughout the year that they’d like to have. They think I have a memory like an elephant, but I just whip out my blackberry quickly, e-mail it to myself and then add it to the e-mail draft later on.
I think a trip to Toronto is needed. Very soon.
4 Comments
Very true. I just hate letting go of my money, which is why I start a lot later than you hahaha. But honestly, if I find something on super steep discount, and I know a friend/family member would love it, I save it for them for Christmas. I’ve done that for two presents this year (that I actually bought after Christmas, but still in December last year).
Hooray for us!
Wow–Christmas shopping begins in January and July for you two gals above me? Knowing my luck, if I did that I’d be like on the Christmas vacation movie where I’m finding gifts I’d tucked away and forgotten about. Last year I had a handy spreadsheet with gift recipients, date purchased, date rec’d (if ordered), the item, cost, and where shipped. I guess I could just add a column “where hidden” LOL. Needless to say I have not started shopping…eek
I’ve been shopping for Christmas since January LOL. It’s soooo much less stressful when you don’t wait until December, huh? A good idea is to buy presents (bday pressies too) @ SDM when they have their 20x points events. That way you get lots of points for things you were gonna buy anyway – AND you have some gifts stashed away. They have lots of great gift stuff like candles, frames and electronic stuff.