So, it’s the most wonderful time of year–yet again. How is it that it feels like last holiday season just ended and here we are again? Where does the time go? Every year I am one of those people who says that I am going to do all my Christmas shopping in August. I will have it all done so that I can enjoy the holidays and really get into the celebration of it all. Never happens.

I am also one of those people who has no control over her shopping habits and this can be a problem when you must be budget minded, which I need to be. Plus, I am sure many of you can relate, but I am fairly sick and tired of the overconsumption, in your face, buy a gift for everyone mentality that goes on this time of year. I know it’s trite and we’ve all heard it, but come on, it’s not about how much you give or get or what you even give. There is a deeper meaning to this time of year whether you’re religious or not.

With all that in mind I have decided to come up with a list for different types of shoppers–I’m sure many of you know these tips already, but hey it can’t hurt to relist them here:

For the budget minded:

1. Bake a few dozen cookies or some fudge–whatever your specialty is–divide each batch in quarters as no one can eat an entire batch of sweets or at least they shouldn’t. Have your kids make holiday designs on paperbags and package up your goodies for teachers, neighbors, friends. If you don’t have kids you can do this yourself or pick up some colorful paperbags already pre-decorated. I know this all takes time, but it’s a great thought which shows you really care about the person you baked for and it is budget minded.

2. Photos for family members is another inexpensive way to show the love, or even make a scrapbook for your parents or siblings. My sister did this one year and it was the most special gift we received. She wrote in quotes and sayings that remided us of what the photos and experience had been about. For my in-laws a few years ago, I put together a collage of photos of the family and kids and let me tell you, my mother-in-law was in tears (of joy). Dig out the photos, go to the frame store and buy some cheapie frames and you have one nice gift.

3. BOOKS–I would be remiss if I didn’t remind all of you to get out and BUY books. Every Christmas I do a basket of favorite things for my dad. He loves to read. So, I get together some paperbacks, some cashews, which he loves, a bottle of wine, and some chocolates and he is happy. He knows what he is going to get from me, but he always looks forward to it. Many people in my family know what they are going to get from me–BOOKS. I am a writer and must support the industry. You can always find a book for each person in the family, even if they don’t read. If they are into airplanes–there is a book on it, sportsfishing–book, makeup–book, dogs–book, even frogs–book. BUY BOOKS.

4. The book thing leads me to the the person with little or no time at all to spare (all of us)–AMAZON my friends. Just go to www.amazon.com and you can pretty much find anything you could ever want. I love shopping this way–no lines, no hunting for thirty minutes for a parking space. I don’t have to get out of my sweats and put makeup on, and they deliver right to my door. Gotta love that amazon or any online shopping for that matter. Oh and check this out, you can do a wish list right on Amazon. Yep–how easy is that? Have the kids put one up there anf there you go–Grandmas in other states can go right on and have the gift shipped. Viola! My mom loves it when I do this for her. That way we don’t spend an hour on the phone trying to figure out who wants what and where to get it.

5. The money is no object person–Okay, I don’t know anyone like this, so we’ll pass this one over. But if you are one of these people, just write me a check for the holidays. Oh you know what, I’ll take cash too. Heck, I could probably drum up acredit card machine somewhere. And, on my amazon wish list, I decided to go for it and listed a cashmere robe. Hey, you never know.

6. And, finally for the person who is only in it for the season–you can cook the meals. and clean afterwards. Give of yourself. It’s the best gift of all. (Oh, I think I just changed my stance on the consumer thing–I’ll buy gifts. Cooking and cleaning is overrated).

“Speaking of” cooking, don’t forget that next week we kick off our virtual dinner week. We all have some great recipes to contribute, and I will out my two cents in about the wine you might want to pair with each one.

Anyone out there with great shopping tips–any kind of tips? Time saving, craft related, budget or non-budget minded? Bring on the ideas people and most of all breathe during this busy time and enjoy the season. It only comes once a year.

Cheers,
Michele