Is the Last-Minute Holiday-Rush Shopping Worth It?

Every year it never ceases to amaze me that people are still compelled to wait until the last possible minute to shop for Christmas gifts and then have the nerve to complain when they have to wait in a long checkout lines. Then, they head over to the local post office to get the goods sent. To add more fuel to the fire, they want the gifts to arrive at the destination before Christmas.

Now we understand that most everyone has a busy schedule, but considering that advertisers are pushing products months before the holidays and with online shopping sites (some of which offer free or discounted shipping) this should make life easier all the way around. And yet every year it seems that people still wait until the last minute to shop and fight over a parking space at the local malls.

Yes, it is nice to see the nicely decorated malls with holiday music to put you in the holiday spirit, but does everyone think that they are going to get a better bargain on last minute items that it is worth the anxiety including rising of blood pressure, crowded parking lots, lines, and frustrated sales representatives, customers and battles over an item? To me, this takes away the spirit of Christmas.

I think not, first of all these so called "battle for bargains days" are mostly over rated and not worth the effort. You may think you're saving but in the long run, how much are you actually saving maybe $5, $10, $20 .... Not including the stress? Think about the actual mark-up price before the mark-down price and what about the stock on these items?

What people still don't seem to realize is that these retailers and advertising companies really don't care about you or the holidays; they are just interested in their profits, not the glitz and glamour of the displays, the packaging, Santa Claus and the pretty Christmas trees.

Everyone needs to really focus on the true meaning of Christmas, Yes it's wonderful to see people in the holiday spirit, children with happy faces, snow, pretty displays and Santa, Elves and his reindeer, but let's not let confusion and rushing around get in the way, when there are easier solutions to prepare for this special season. This is the time of year to be at peace and focus on the joy of the season.

Really do you want to be so tired from last minute running around that you won't be able to enjoy your family and friends?

So break out the eggnog, eat, drink, be merry, pray for snow and enjoy! Happy Holidays all!