Christmas Shopping All Year Long

Although Christmas is my favorite time of year, with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season even I get worn out! With Christmas parties every weekend, trying to prepare for family trips and family visits, and trying to get my clothes for special events in order, there is no time to shop! Here's a little secret I learned a few years ago that has made my Christmas season even more enjoyable - Shop all year!

Come December, and much like most other people, I am very busy. I am planning for parties and vacations over the holidays. Usually by the first week of December, I am also out of money. Between having to go out and buy new outifts to wear to the office party, and having to buy things for other holiday celebrations (food, gift exchanges, Christmas cards, etc), I often find myself wondering how I am going to pay for Christmas gifts for my family and friends. It also seems that when we wait to shop until a few days before Christmas, we are in a mad rush to find items and find ourselves becomming monsters as we attempt to battle the angry mob of others that are in our same boat. Tension is high, and stress goes up. Who wants to be stressed out at the holidays?
A few years ago, I discovered a secret - Shop all year. I start my Christmas shopping the day after Christmas. However, most of the big Christmas sales actually begin on New Years Day. The first of January is a great time to pick up gifts for next year's Christmas exchanges at 75% off. Just think of the savings. There are big savings on wrapping paper, bows, boxes, ornaments, and every other decoration that you would want either for yourself of for gifts. I would recommend picking up anything you think you might be able to use next year.

Throughout the year, stores have seasonal sales, which make for excellent bargains to put away for gifts for next year. Generally it is around Easter that most winter clothes go on clearance sale. Just think about it - those sweaters that you pay $50 for the week before Christmas in a rush are a fraction of that in April. What a savings you will have!

In May, there are always Memorial day sales. Around the 4th of July is another big sale weekend. I have personally found that July is a great time to get good discounts on electronic items. Labor Day brings more sales as well. But it's not just these bigger holidays that draw good sales. Most stores have sales constantly - President's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Good Friday, Valentine's Day, etc. Retail stores use any holiday to publicize a sale event.
Here is another tip that I have found handy - Designate one month per family member/friend to shop for. Granted, if it isn't the right month but you find a bargain, that's ok!

So what is the result of year round Christmas Shopping? For most, it's result is a less stressfully and less financially trying holiday season. Next time you are out (perhaps Labor Day?), try seeing if there are any bargains on items that would make nice Christmas gifts. If you shop all year for one year, you will realize how nice it is come December to not have to worry about it. And once you try, I promise, you will never want to go back to being a Christmas shopping procrastinator!