How I avoided shopping the week of Christmas

I work retail so this whole week I've seen people running around like chickens with their heads cut off.  Or maybe their heads are still on because there's been some squawking.  I will say though, that most people have been really nice.  I've worked ten Christmas' and this year is the nicest customers have been and yet, I'm almost more miserable than I've ever been during holidays.  The worst was when I was left to work Christmas Eve by myself in 2006.  I think my problem this year is that I'm tired.  I had exams last week on the 16th and then I've been working my ass off since.  Don't get me wrong, my coworkers have worked more than me, but they don't have children.

Thanks to my children, I ensure I am done shopping before this week.  When my first child was due two days before Christmas (and arrived four days before Thanksgiving), I got my shopping done by the end of October.  I knew there was no way I could stand in a long line or squeeze between shelves and shoppers with an enormous, bulging belly so I sought gifts out in advance.  The relief I felt knowing my shopping was done before the holidays started was so great that I decided to make the effort to recreate the experience each year.

Three years ago, it started to be popular to host online deals Thanksgiving night.  After indulging in a fantastic meal, I sat down to my laptop and ordered my gifts without leaving the sofa.  I still bought stocking stuffers near the end, but was otherwise done.

This year, I bought everything by the end of November, including stocking stuffers.  I happened to be at Target and only had the toddlers with me so I was able to sneak things into the cart.  Realistically, they weren't going to be any cheaper closer to the holiday and I'd be less likely to get the ones I wanted.  Stocking stuffers? Done.  I looked through a catalog and saw something for my mother-in-law, but why order through the catalog?  I went on Amazon, ordered it Prime, BAM! Two days later and it's here.  Better price, faster shipping, and rewards points to my Amazon Rewards Visa.  Gifts for my mom?  I buy them through the year.  If I see something on sale that I know someone would like, I buy it and keep it until birthdays or holidays.

Maybe it's just me, but I don't feel like the sales were as good this year as they've been in the past.  Thanks to that, I don't feel bad that I didn't wait for the "big deals".  I'd much rather spend a few more dollars and be done shopping sooner.  That way I don't become the last minute shopper.  I'm sure the day will come when my kids want the "hottest toy" and maybe I'll feel desperate to get it for them, but for now, that day has not arrived and hopefully when it does, I'll remember working the week of Christmas and will keep my cool.