I like to travel a bit, so when I do, I look specifically for things that would be appropriate for gifts. I especially like to find items that are native to the areas I visit, that really can’t be found anywhere else (getting harder and harder thanks to the internet).

If I go to northern michigan, I buy petosky stone jewelry, If I go to Canada, I try to find something uniquely canadian. I am known pretty much for buying thoughtful, useful gifts that family will actually like and use (this is harder than it seems at times). I make sure to put everything in a set place that I will not forget, and during the christmas season, I might be inclined to pick up a thing or two if it strikes me that the person will like it, but for the past several years, while people are going crazy on Black Friday, I have a quiet day at home and enjoy the peace away from all the frenzy and hype.

While I’ve never started shopping in July, I certainly try to start the whole self-licking ice cream cone process of frenzied Christmas shopping before December.

I find it easier to deal with the financial burden that comes along with the shopping spree. Yes, we do tend to go a bit overboard, but Christmas is that one time of the year that we splurge a bit.

If I can spread the bills out over a few months it makes it easier to swallow. We usually start the process in October and finish paying the last bill in January.

Thanks for the post,
-Jeff