Monday, November 1, 2010

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!


True story!
How many of you noticed Christmas items out at stores BEFORE Halloween? I saw Christmas things beginning to make their display in SEPTEMBER! I know that bothers a lot of people, but in my own little world, I'm thrilled! I am one of those crazy individuals who shop for Christmas all year long. This is for several reasons:
1.) I have a TON of people to shop for. I couldn't possibly do it all in just one month. I'm a very busy person and I often work 60 hours a week and then am rarely home for the weekends.
2.) I am frugal and will only settle for the very best price possible. When you wait until December (or even November) you have much less leeway in the prices. You don't have the liberty of waiting until a better sale comes along. Because you NEED that gift NOW, you are, in essence, under the control of the seller.
3.) I want to give the perfect gift. I don't want to settle for the stereotypical coffee and cookie basket--I want to give each person something that will bring them joy. Sure, it could be the coffee and cookie basket, but how many other baskets will they be getting that year? I pay attention to the likes and needs of those I love and make a conscious effort to tailor a gift especially for them. If I see that perfect gift for an individual, and it happens to be March, I'll buy it and put it away until December! I have no problem waiting several months to wrap it and give it.
4.) One word: CLEARANCE. Have you ever seen a 90% off sale at Target or Wal-Mart? It's Heaven. 90% off ornaments, decorations, wrap, cards, dishes, gifts, etc...Why pay full price when you know immediately after Christmas they will be drastically cheaper?

I love this time of year. I love being able to give and make others happy. I love the colors, the decorations, the music, the cheer, the snow (YES, I love the snow!), the food, the gatherings. What is not to love?

All throughout the season I'll be posting little tips for helping you save this holiday. It might work for you, it might not, but let's share!

Feliz Navidad!

5 comments:

Jennifer S. said...

I love clearance!!! It's definitely smart to stock up on decorations AFTER the holiday!
Great post! :)

Tree said...

I totally agree!! Christmas can never start too early for me! :)

Tree
Mother of Pearl It Is

Dawn Lopez said...

Great tips!! Your blog is so super cute!

-Dawn
Just Married with Coupons

Jennifer Wilson said...

One gift I gave one year that was a big hit was a cousin made a comment in September she'd always like to try one of those strainer/collander things that fit over a pan. Sure you can get them at Dollar Tree, but she said she just never thought of it when she was there. So I bought her one (along with other gifts.) It was months after she mentioned it, and she asked how I knew she would like one of those! lol

I always know when family really appriciate gifts because they will either make someone else stop opening and look at it, or make a special point of saying something like "How did you know. . ." I thought that was really funny that a $1 kitchen item would be a "hit". Just goes to show you shop for the PERSON and not to impress others, but to make that person happy!

Unknown said...

I always get stuck because I have no storage in my home. We try to buy ahead but where to put it all.

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