Shopping - for Fun

My DS last year asked for a specific toy out of a catalog a couple months before Christmas. He wanted it so bad! I thought I still had time so I didn't rush to get it. By the time I went shopping, about a week before to buy it, everyone was sold out of it!!! I felt like a horrible Mom! I always had the habit of going out last minute but last year was the first I had regretted it.

This year I had all my shopping done before Thanksgiving! LOL!

I do mine gradually. If back in late October I notice something that is a great value and would be a great fit for someone, I get it. I don't stress about getting the bulk of them until the last 5 days, so I do get the rush as well. I think it is fun, and my little boys LOVE coming with me to do the shopping. We have an outdoor mall here and even though it has been in the 15-20 degree range, it is a lot of fun to take the kids there so they can see the hustle and bustle, Christmas lights, carolers, etc. Tis the season!!

Nope, I'm going shopping today. I usually shop online weeks or a month or so in advance, but this year, finances have been so tight we couldn't do anything sooner!

BK (before kid) I used to be worse than that.
All it takes is a sick kid home from school all of Christmas week to put a halt to that strategy!
Hubby & I never shop together--we divide and conquer!
We do work from a master list.
I am done and wrapped on Dec 21st, which is a very close personal best for me.
Happy Holidays!

I did a lot of mine last minute this year since time is not something that I have a huge excess of. But, unlike yourself, I hate the hustle and bustle. I used to do all of my shopping online until someone stole a package off my porch. But yes, you are definitely not the only one waiting until the last minute :)

We always did ours with the last paycheck and Christmas bonus checks that came in December, so yep, we were in long lines at toys r us and stuff. It was fun.
I dont do it that way now tho, now I'm a cyber Monday gal.

Still not finished shopping and don't have one single present wrapped!! Ahh, gotta love the Christmas rush!!

I start on the day AFTER black friday., i decorate on black friday.

I used to be, but now I prefer to do most of my shopping on line, so I have to do it early to be sure everything arrives in time.

Happy Holidays!

That's crazy? I don't do it on purpose, I just don't see the fun in shopping early. I never start my shopping until Dec.

I used to shop late (Christmas week) when I was younger did Black Friday for a while for a couple of years and loved it, but all it takes is one year where the toy that your child has his or heart set on to be sold out - everywhere - to change that. So now if there is something one of my kids really, really wants I get it in October or November. I pick up a few things here and there at Target or the local toy store in November, buy most non-toys (older kids and other relatives) on-line and try to be done with most shopping by December 1st, leaving December for cooking and decorating and socializing. This week I just have to finish wrapping, do my weekly house cleaning and cook x-mas eve dinner. I had time for dinner with friends last week, lunch with co-workers this week, and for making something for my husband's office staff's holiday brunch tomorrow - a couple of years ago I would have had to say no to all of these because I still would have been shopping LOL! I do miss some of the hustle and bustle and seeing the shopping centers decked out for the holidays but not enough to go back to late shopping!

you and my husband. he told me last night he went shopping for me during lunch. i said and?? he said the mall was mobbed i left hahahaha.
no, i am done. and actually looking at prices right now i just realized i paid at least 50% (most cases 75%) less than what the prices are on everything EXCEPT for the freaking snowblower i got for him. so, this, for me means, i saved, so i can go spend on myself during christmas sales. yayyy.

I started back in early 2010 but still was buying stuff this week! I just prefer not to be out and about in all this traffic and madness....but sounds like it's a tradition for you :) Happy Holidays!!