Next Christmas

This Christmas hasn't been easy.  I'm not a good Christmas shopper.  I want to buy things and make things that people really need, want or connect with.  This means I usually give little or nothing because I have trouble thinking of anything.

So I've decided to make a goal for 2019 that involves improving the way I plan for Christmas.  That means planning for Christmas, since I really don't.

Up until now, my method, if you can call it that, has just been to cram for exams at the last minute.  Of course, last minute Christmas shopping is stressful because stores don't have the right items, the malls are crowded, one is forced to rely on whatever inventory is currently present, which is often very little because others have bought it all.  I can order everything off Amazon, but that still requires time to think through what to get each person.  After all that I have to spend a tremendous amount of money that I'm unprepared to spend, while risking bankruptcy (figuratively speaking) because who knows how much money my husband will be spending on similar endeavors.

So my goal is to spread out Christmas shopping over the course of the year.  I'm going to start out by making a list of people I want to send gifts.  Then I need to decide on a number and total dollar value.

Step 1:  Make a List of the People I Want to Send Gifts or Cards to

I sat down and only wrote the names of the most important people so as not to overwhelm myself.  I was pleased to find, in the end, only fourteen names on the list.  That number should be doable over the course of the year.  A lot more manageable than trying to buy presents for fourteen people on December 15th.

Step 2:  Decide How Many Gifts or How Much to Spend on Each Person

The nice thing about shopping for people all year long is that I can take advantage of sales that happen throughout the year and I can find certain types of things at thrift shops.  There are some things I'll never buy at thrift stores, like shoes, hats or underclothes, but I will pick up books that are in decent shape.  I've found so many books from wishlists at the thrift or used book store.  Most recently, I spent an hour with my Grama at Barnes and Noble looking for a book by Paul Hollywood that she wanted.  We were told it is out of stock for Christmas.  So I took her to a local thrift book store and we found a similar book by the same author for five dollars instead of thirty-five.  Definitely worthwhile, and it made her day.

Step 3:  Make a Watch List of Wishes

I have certain friends who enjoy reading.  I gathered up the names of their favorite authors, also demanded to know which books they owned/read, and then which they had not.  The books they do not have of their favorite authors are entered in a watch list which I use in thrift shopping.  I go to the thrift store and inquire about the books on the list.  The awesome thing about thrift shopping books is that I can mail them for fairly cheap through the USPS.

There are other wishes that can be watch listed also.  For example, if you know a friend's favorite color to wear and sizes, watch for cute clothes.  Pretty much anything can be watch listed, if you know what it is.  The key is to do your research.


Step 4:  Create a Plan for Home Made Crafting Gifts

Some friends can receive hand made gifts.  For example, my female friends will joyfully accept hand made jewelry.  So I make a list of who to make jewelry for and perhaps what colors that friend would like.  I can work on this throughout the year.

Step 5:  Highlight the Difficult People

Don't be too horrified by the heading ^.  There are certain people I love but who are very hard to shop for.  Mostly men.  I just run into a brick wall.  These people require special attention throughout the year.  This means I will follow them to Home Depot (etc) and make note of any items they wish for but don't purchase.  This will save my butt big time when it comes to Christmas.  There's nothing more embarrassing than having to tell someone, "Sorry, there's nothing here under the tree for you, because I couldn't think of anything."  OR, "Sorry, I know you don't need another tie, but I couldn't think of a better idea."

Step 5:  Buy Stuff Throughout the Year

I don't like spending a ton of money around Christmas because everyone else is doing the same thing.  It's a big strain on the bank account.  To take the load off, I'm going to buy things throughout the year.  Keep track of spending and don't overdo it.

Step 6:  Consider Hand Made Gifts by Others on Etsy

One advantage to shopping year round is that I can get gifts that might take a bit of time to arrive.  Instead of just buying whatever crap I can find locally at big chain stores, I can be a bit more selective and get items that are hand made or personalized.  Price will always be a consideration but if it fits in the budget, go for it.

Step 7:  Keep a Generic List of Gift Ideas

Have a plan in case something doesn't work out, or a new person enters the circle.  Create a list of gift ideas that are unique and thoughtful and keep it around to use in emergencies.  Things on the list could include books, jewelry, hats, yarn, photo frames, etc.  When a crisis arises, look through the list and find something that fits your person.  A bit of investigation may be necessary.