Christmas is only a week away. Are you ready?
Completely, totally, put-up-your-feet-and-enjoy-the-fireplace-as-you-snicker-at-last-minute-shoppers-ready?
Me neither. And you know what? We're not alone. Despite our best efforts trying to finish everything holiday-related on time, 24% of women don't end their Christmas shopping until the week of Christmas.
December is an overwhelming month for all us. It seems that life as a mom gets that much crazier over the holidays because we take on so much 'extra' stuff. Did we really need to agree to that cookie exchange or volunteer to make all the children's costumes for the school concert? I even decided to throw a big Christmas party on December 26th!
So even though I had plans to 'get it all done' well before crunch time, my to-do list is growing instead of shrinking. Needless to say, I barely have time to breathe this month.
Although the major items on my shopping list have been purchased, I found myself stalling to buy all those last-minute presents - gifts for the work Christmas party, a gift for my son's teacher, something for my sister-in-law, and of course, all the stocking stuffers.
It's a common occurrence— the last minute hectic drive to the mall for the gifts you forgot to get, the panicked mad dash to the already empty-shelves at the toy store, and, of course, the parking lot drama. Who needs that type of excitement? Not I.
A few days ago, I made a trip to Walmart to finally finish up my list. One of my favourite gifts to receive for Christmas is books, so I headed over the Walmart book section. They carry all the latest best sellers plus children's books as well. Perfect for stocking stuffers.
Then I headed over to the DVD section to pick up a few movies for some of the people on my list. Now my best friend no longer has the excuse of saying she still hasn't seen Eclipse, plus I'll get to watch it with her. It's like a present for both of us!
Next stop: Toy Section. Seriously, what better way to spend an evening than playing board games with your kids. I picked up a few to give the children on my list (have you seen the Lego board games that have to be built before you can play them? Fun!) and for my kids as well.
With the presents out of the way, it was time to conquer the little things I always forget until it's almost too late - gift bags, wrapping paper, pretty bows and let's not forget scotch tape. I never seem to have enough tape when I'm wrapping!
To help you with your last minute gift shopping, I'll leave you with these two helpful hints I swear by.
Tip One: It's always a good idea to have a few 'extra' wrapped presents on hand for those unexpected visitors who come bearing gifts for your family during the holidays. I know it's not all about the gifts but who hasn't felt embarrassed at receiving a gift and not having one in return. Kitchen accessories, beauty products and chocolates make great last-minute gifts for the 'oops, I almost forgot!' people who weren't on your list but you were clearly on theirs.
Tip Two: Another great gift I love giving to the women in my life? Magazines! I buy Vogue, US, People, Bazaar and In Style, wrap them with a pretty red bow, and voila—a perfect present that's sure to be appreciated!
And now that I'm done my Christmas shopping - from major items to last minute presents and stocking stuffers - I can put my feet up and enjoy the fireplace. No stress. No worry. Oh! And I forgot to mention I did all my shopping late at night because Walmart is open 24 hours a day for the holidays. Total bonus. Plus, parking was a breeze. No more excuses, friends. Go out and SHOP!
Now, please pass the eggnog—I think I deserve it!
Have you checked out the rest of our Yummy Holiday Guide?
It's all proudly sponsored by our friends at
Printer-friendly version