If you are like my husband, then Christmas shopping is not for you. And indeed, you may have passed the costly, stressful, and time-consuming task onto someone else in your family. Possibly that lucky wife or husband.
But wait a minute, some of us like to shop. I certainly don’t mind, but I’ll be the first to tell you that I don’t like crowds, hot malls, dragging packages, and not being able to find my silly size.
And, if you have multiple sclerosis like my husband, Christmas shopping is “doubly” stressful, expensive, and time-consuming, tiring you out and just not making you feel good at the end of the day. It could really lead to a bad buy in a bad mood.
My husband gave up shopping duties I would say the first year we were married (13 years ago). Today, a day or two before Christmas, he announces, “Did you get anything for my mom or dad?”
Yes dear, it’s all done.
Robert says, “Well, I just don’t want to look like a jerk.”
Excellent. I covered your ass. Don’t worry.
With Christmas on the way, I’ve compiled my list of 6 ways to save time, money, and energy for the upcoming holiday season.
This doesn’t just apply to people with MS, but I think everyone in general is trying to save time, money and energy.
1. Give everyone cash. Yes, those grandmothers had a straight. Give them a cool $10 or $20 bill so they can spend it however they want. In fact, you can still get those nifty little envelopes at the bank for free. Just think that within 5-10 minutes you could cross everyone in your family off your list.
2. Shop online for your favorite major retailers.
Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Amazon
3. If you want to go out and choose those items, choose a store that has everything. Wal-Mart Super Center I would say has everything included plus the kitchen sink.
4. Create your own homemade cookies, candy, ornaments and blankets for Christmas gifts.
I love getting homemade Christmas cookies, fudge, and truffles from others. I don’t normally have the time or patience to do these things, so I really appreciate them when they come my way. Also, I love chocolate and really have no self-control when it’s presented to me.
5. Give the gift of time and love. Ask to spend special time with that person in your family. Perhaps it is the child who needs special attention while the parents spend time together. Or it’s the parent you haven’t spent time with.
6. Gift cards I recently noticed at my grocery store that you can buy them at the checkout. What could be easier and who wouldn’t want to go out to eat at their favorite restaurant? Examples of gift cards are: Red Lobster, Olive Garden and a variety of other establishments.
At church recently, Cross Point Community Church, our pastor was talking about how his family had decided not to exchange gifts.
So folks, I’ll sneak in the seventh way to save time, money, and energy.
Vote to give money to a charity, one that needs money to benefit others.