This Year Avoid Those Long Holiday...

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Shopping Lines

The holiday season may be filled with tidings of joy and good cheer, but the long lines at the mall can put a damper on your spirit and lead to holiday fatigue before the festivities even begin. Fortunately, with a little planning, you can get your holiday shopping done with minimal wait and frustration. Here’s how to avoid long lines when holiday shopping:

Wake up early.

One of the best ways to avoid long lines around the holidays is to arrive at the stores as soon as they open. Not only will you get the best selection, you’ll have less of a problem finding a parking place. Being an early bird really does have its advantages when it comes to Christmas shopping.

Shop just before closing or during the dinner hour.

Another way to avoid long lines is to schedule your shopping to coincide with the time most people are at home eating dinner. You’ll also find fewer crowds if you shop an hour before the stores close. Crowds are usually minimal at these times and you can usually get your shopping done with minimal wait.

Do your shopping from a single store.

Holiday shopping times can really add up when you wait in multiple lines. Do a little planning and choose a single store to shop for all of your holiday gifts. Go to the store at an off hour armed with a list and buy for everyone you need to buy for. Imagine how good it will feel to only have to stand in one line.

Give gift certificates.

This is one of the easiest gifts to give and may be the most appreciated. Most people would rather have the option of selecting their own gift and a gift certificate gives them that freedom. This is one way to completely avoid standing in lines.

Shop at smaller boutiques and specialty stores

You can generally avoid long lines by shopping at smaller boutiques that don’t get the volume of traffic that larger department stores do. Not only will you find more unique gifts but you’ll also be helping out a local business. You’ll deal with even less hassle if you avoid boutiques and specialty stores located at shopping malls.

Christmas shop at the grocery store

You’ll be going to the grocery store anyway. Why not get your Christmas shopping done while you’re shopping for food? Grocery stores have a variety of items that would make suitable Christmas gifts. Browse the gourmet food and boxed chocolate aisle for interesting gifts. Check out the floral department and see if they can prepare gift baskets for everyone on your list or give the gift of a live plant. Most grocery stores also carry best selling books for the reader on your list. Take advantage of the time you spend buying groceries to get your Christmas shopping done.

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be a nightmare and a source of lost time. With a little planning, you can avoid long lines and still make everyone you love happy this Christmas.

by Dr. Kristie