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How to avoid the Christmas rush

By on November 4, 2008

Have you ever found yourself wandering aimlessly at shopping centers on Christmas Eve, fearing a pouting child or spouse the following day? Many of us have fallen victim to the Christmas rush, that pesky phenomenon wherein holiday mayhem gets the best of us and we end up pushing back our plans until the very last minute. Not the best way to spend the evening, especially if the kids are counting on some quality time with mom and dad, and the results are usually far from ideal. Fortunately, the dilemma can easily be rectified by taking some action before Thanksgiving is through.

 

 

SPY ANOTHER DAY

The most important thing about gifts is that the recipient receives something he or she would honestly enjoy. That old saying, “It’s the thought that counts,“ rings very true in situations like this, as you are not just presenting a piece of jewelry or a toy car; you are showing your affection. However, it can pose a problem picking others’ minds while keeping the element of surprise intact. That’s where the buyer can benefit from going into Scooby Doo mode (ruh-roh!) and do some investigative work.

 

Young children are fairly easy to read, as they often just tell you (sometimes kicking and screaming) what they want. It would also be wise to keep up with their interests, as they do tend to change with the seasons. In a worst-case scenario, simply remember that kids are incredibly fond of surprises, but be sure to avoid making that classic parental mistake: buying clothes! Keep it fun above all!

 

Shopping for a spouse on the other hand might not be a piece of cake. Work-related gadgetry for the men and jewelry for the ladies is a pretty common association, but expressing a sentiment is much more effective when clichés are not involved. 

 

No matter who they are, it also helps to take your recipient’s personality into account. Basing a present on somebody’s lifestyle will better the chances of showing your intentions and them being able to actually use it. Is the receiver an artistic, emotional type? Then get him or her something that appeals to their aesthetics, like paintings, music, or even some nice scented candles of their preferred aroma. On the flip side, if you’re giving to a logical, intellectual type, something to enrich their minds would be grand: perhaps a trip to an exhibit of their choice, a nice thought-provoking novel, or even a few foreign language lessons at schools or on discs for the busybodies. (Great time to learn Japanese, if you plan on sticking around a while!) Athletes and the health-conscious should rejoice at gym memberships if they’re old enough, sturdy exercise equipment, or a brand new soccer ball/basketball/baseball (and bat)… whatever their fancy.
Fashionistas are hard to shop for, so tread on the safe track and get them a gift card at their favorite store unless you’re confident in knowing what they desire. 

 

SHOP! IN THE NAME OF LOVE

Perhaps you may have an idea or two floating about. Maybe you’re clueless. Whatever the case, a few hours of window-shopping should be beneficial. Go to shopping centers by yourself to see what inspires you. However, you could also take the family with you. Trail them around individually, pay attention to see what catches their eye, and simply make a mental note of it. Follow those three steps and that’ll be a weight off your shoulders. Your next shopping trip could be your final one for the year.

 

Then there’s the actual shopping. An added benefit of doing this early is the notable lack of eager crowds re-enacting Dawn of the Dead in stores, giving you some tranquil time to yourself. You’re also sure to see a lot less “sold out” signs that depress the lot of us. Another tricky thing you could avoid is the rise in prices, a practice some stores use during the holidays; they usually don’t get around to it until December rolls along, too,
so your bank account might have a reason to join in on Thanksgiving celebrations.

 

A great place to shop early isn’t even a real place. Switch your computers on and venture into cyberspace, where it seems everything that is currently in existence is also on sale. Vintage items, rare items, stuff you can’t get in Japan… you name it. Sites like Amazon and eBay are popular with consumers, reducing the hassle of shopping into a few clicks of the mouse and simply waiting for parcels in the mail. Delivery time varies depending on stores and products, so it’s a wise idea to do it all as soon as possible.

 

LET’S GET NON-PHYSICAL

Contrary to what a young Madonna chimed about in the ’80s, not all presents have to be in material form. Some experiences are far too precious to ever come in a box, and can outlast almost anything store-bought. It’s a good thing for the kids to learn, and the grown-ups to remember.

 

Something stores can’t sell is one you make with your own hands. Assuming you start as soon as you put down this magazine, you will have about a month and a half to learn a new craft you haven’t tried before for someone special: cooking, painting, pottery, playing an instrument, etc. are all activities with results that a loved one can surely appreciate. It’s a good time to enroll in such classes, pick up some do-it-yourself books, or commence watching Martha Stewart. After all, what else can compete with something made by loving hands?


One great gift doesn’t also have to be for one specific person. Bring the family down to a shelter for the less fortunate, be they orphanages, soup kitchens, or animal pounds, where they can volunteer their services for a better cause. Alternately (or additionally for the do-gooders), find charitable bazaars or rallies run by schools, churches, or organizations to participate in either by work or donation of items. What you give out is much-needed help for those who don’t have it; for your own troops, they get a sense of accomplishment and social awareness that will stay with them always. This way, everyone wins.

 

Also, take the time to plan a great Christmas outing. Gather the family, or get together with friends. Reserve seats for a stage show your family will like, or book a hotel for the weekend before the 25th near a theme park or other fun location where the kids can run amok. If you have a favorite restaurant where you’d like to dine on a special day, have a table held for you to be safe. Memories are free but at the same time priceless, so make as much of them as you can.

 

Finally, I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas — in advance.

About Martin Leroux