Despite my announcing (to myself) that I would get my holiday shopping done this summer, here we are in November, and I’ve got very little to show for it. I’ve gotten five gifts out of about 30 or so. And while I’m trying really hard not to cave to the stress of it all, well, there’s a reason to I’ve ended up writing about it, no?
I know the holidays should not be about consumerism and spending and material goods. I know that in the stress of shopping and looking for good deals and trying to be thoughtful and budget-conscious, it’s easy to lose sight of the meaning of the holidays, or to take the time to be with family and to be grateful for all our blessings.
I know all this, and yet I can’t help getting stressed out whenever I sit down and go over my gift list; or whenever I open a catalog, browse a website or go to a store; or whenever I check the bank account and review the holiday budget.
You might be thinking something like, “so don’t stress out - give what you can or not at all.” Ah, so much easier said than done!
The thing is, I like giving gifts during the holidays. There’s plenty of family time going on to remind me of the important things; it’s just that some thing inside me compels me to go through this every year - it’s unavoidable! I think the stress is rooted in my need to find thoughtful gifts for a bunch of people all at once. It would be so easy to go just by my budget and get something well suited, and that’s it. But I find myself agonizing over finding gifts that speak to a person’s interests or that just makes me think of them. Times 30. I totally bring this upon myself.
It all ultimately ends up just fine: I find everything I need, like my choices, and stay within budget. But the process always leaves me feeling exhausted and mildly bummed.
I’m curious to know your take on holiday shopping. How do you approach it? Does it stress you out? If not, what’s your secret?
by Tere
[tags]holidays, shopping, gifts, money, consumerism, stress, thoughtfulness, caring[/tags]
Photo graciously provided by noahwesley, through a Creative Commons license, some rights reserved
4 responses so far ↓
Carrie // Nov 15, 2007 at 9:42 am
I am buying from people I know — crafty, arty types and those with small businesses (like myself). I am shopping some hand-made gift fairs, and for others, I am making a few, simple gifts. The thought of wandering a mall right now overwhelms me — as much as I like to shop. But, just can’t enjoy it this time of year. Good luck to you!
Claudia // Nov 15, 2007 at 11:12 am
I started about 2 months ago and only have 1 or 2 gifts left to buy. I also shop year round in the sense that if I see something that I think someone would like, I buy it and put it away until December. The good thing about it is that you get a head start on gifts, the bad thing is that you have to store the stuff…and you have to remember that you bought it.
Jenny // Nov 15, 2007 at 3:10 pm
I’m baking this year for everyone except those under age 12. On the good side, I’m a good baker and I’m excited about designing the box and making it all look cute and unique. Its also going to be way less expensive for us this way. But, the bad part is I’m not really getting anyone the kind of thoughtful, personalized gift that you are talking about. That leaves me a little guilty, but I tell myself that home-made ooey gooey cookies in a really cute box will still make them smile.
Debbie // Nov 15, 2007 at 6:58 pm
I love Christmas shopping and love getting out in the crowds, especially if it’s a little nippy in the air, but I don’t like having to spend all that money. I feel that this time of year, people seem to be so thoughtful and nice. I also love baking homemade cookies, candies and cake with my girls and making up “cookie” basket gifts.
Leave a Comment