Shopping Early For Christmas

Halloween is barely over with, but it’s the next holiday that is on my mind already – Christmas!! There are only 50 more days until Christmas, in case you were wondering! ;) Meaning only 49 more shopping days! (No need to shudder…I am just warning you!!)

Before I had kids, I LOVED being out in the hustle and bustle of shopping during the holiday season. Hitting up the malls and stores while listening to Christmas songs playing overhead and Christmas decor all about. It really made it feel like Christmas! Christmas of 2007 changed it all for me though! I no longer wanted to be out in crowded stores, full of people (many rude and grumpy!) shopping for last minute gifts with a 5 month old baby!!

The next year, I tried to get things earlier to avoid having to be out with a toddler in the craziness that is Christmas retail season! Now, year after year, it seems that it is earlier and earlier I start thinking about what I am going to buy for those on my list. Last year I started my shopping in October and I was completely done all my shopping by the end of November! I have to say, I was NOT missing that feeling I used to get about being out in the crowds, and didn’t need that to be in the Christmas spirit.

This year, I have started even earlier it seems! I bought my first two Christmas presents back in mid September! Now, for some of you this is ridiculously early, and for others you, may have started back in the summer, or maybe even before that and I am not an early shopper at all! Here is why I now LOVE shopping early!

1. I buy things on sale. It isn’t as likely (especially with kids toys) that there are going to be big sales right before Christmas, as the retailers want your money, alllll of it!
2. I make up a spreadsheet (I love any excuse to use a spreadsheet really!!) of all the people I need to shop for, ideas that I have for them, add what I have bought, and the total I have spent. I LOVE keeping it all organized so that I know exactly what I have bought and need to buy still, and what is remaining of my budget for that person!
3. I avoid the Christmas Crazies! You know the ones! The ones who push, glare, and are just plain out rude while shopping. I have little to no patience for them, so avoiding these people is a good thing for all!
4. Instead of spending my time in the crowded stores, I can have time to do my Christmas baking and getting ready for the actual day. Spend more time with my friends and family. Watch those great Christmas shows and movies on TV!
5. I also like to put some gifts wrapped under our tree as decor, I find they are so ‘naked’ without something under it! So having shopping done earlier, allows me to also wrap the gifts and put them on display!
6. I don’t have to worry about not finding something, cause I leave myself lots of time.
7. Spreading my money out over a few months, rather than having to spend it all in a months (or weeks….or DAYS) time!

Now there can also be some downfalls to shopping early as well!

1. I keep all my gifts in one place (my kids are young enough, that I really don’t need to hide them very much), but I can see how you can loose or forget about gifts if they are bought too early in the year.
2. Not knowing when to stop shopping! If you don’t keep track, it is veryeasy to keep shopping long after we should!
3. People adding to their wish list after you have already finished shopping for them.
4. Missing out on a sale if stores do have a before Christmas sale. (however if you keep all your receipts, you can always return the item and get the money back to purchase it cheaper!)

I am sure there are many pros and cons that I haven’t mentioned here. Everyone has their own traditions as to how they prepare for Christmas shopping and preparing gifts! I really like to be prepared (almost too much sometimes lol) so shopping early is now something I really like to do! This year I hope to have all my Christmas list checked off by the end of November again! So we shall see! I need to get on starting to write down all my gift ideas!

What are your shopping traditions for the Christmas season? Are you and early bird or will you be shopping right up to the last minute!? What do you like about your Christmas shopping style, or are there things you would like to change!?