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Patty Craig: A Slice of Time

I’ve been thinking about Christmas shopping – planning my strategy. I enjoy giving gifts to my family, but dread the increased traffic as well as the number of people who will also be shopping. However, I do have a plan of action: get it done soon.

 

According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center in December of 2014, researchers “found that 86% of Americans buy gifts for friends or family as part of celebrating the holiday” (http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/12/21/5-facts-about-christmas-...). According to this same survey information, “the majority said buying and receiving gifts makes them feel joyful (83%) and generous (78%)”, but a significant number also said it “makes them feel stretched thin financially (46%), stressed out (36%) or wasteful (23%).” I can understand their feelings.

 

Also, people have shopping options. In recent years, we’ve witnessed the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. This year, I’ve heard the term ‘Gray November,’ referencing the shopping deals that became available earlier than usual. Other fairly recent shopping terms include “brick-and-mortar” shops – meaning companies that have a physical presence and offer face-to-face customer experiences – as opposed to “online” shops, which have no physical presence for shoppers to visit or buy from in person. Like most, I shop in both types of stores.

 

I asked friends and family how and when they do their Christmas shopping. Their responses were:

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I start shopping on Black Friday. Most of my gifts come from Amazon – shopping from home is the best!

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Online mostly. I shop after I get my Christmas club money.

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Payday and big sales. I shop online, mostly Amazon.

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Online and a month before so I know it’ll be here.

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Local and online any time. Mostly I write a check to my kids to buy for my grandkids. I still shop for a bigger gift or two for my children and their spouses. I’ve become one of “those” old people.

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Not a lot of rhyme or reason to it other than definitely after a payday and completely online if I can get away with it. I usually check my emails for sales from department stores like Old Navy, Toys R Us, etc. Oh, and Amazon every time I’m able.

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Online mostly now. I don’t like the crowds. I try to start in October, picking up things here and there. I keep a list in my wallet.

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JCPenney!

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Near a payday and during sales – up to Christmas Eve. I shop online and at local stores.

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I usually shop online or on sale days in Bowling Green or Owensboro.

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I usually start around mid-November and shop until I finish around Christmas. I like to do a combo of online and in store. Road trips are always fun and a great way to spend time with friends/family over the holiday season.

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That is my wife’s job! My daughter and wife get what they want. It’s easier that way. Believe me! Everyone gets what they want, and sizes are correct. Everybody’s happy!

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During big sales. A lot online, but some shopping in stores. Love outlets!

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Online, starting Thanksgiving week, and in stores on Black Friday.

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Local shops and a lot of Amazon!

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Once I get my family’s list, it is the Christmas hunt! I fulfill Christmas wishes…. I shop online and in stores, watching for sales.

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Well, it’s whatever and whenever.

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We give money. So they can all get exactly what they want with it.

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I like to start with a list and then just look. I like using catalogues and online for the convenience. I would like to be more organized!

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I shop with my daughter on Black Friday either in Owensboro or Bowling Green normally, and I always pick up stuff at different places such as Rite Aid and Walmart after that. And we always go to Macy’s several times. My daughter does some shopping online, but I never do. And my husband always gets presents, too.

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During Christmas sales, on Black Friday, and other advertised days, I shop in Owensboro, Bowling Green, Evansville and locally. Also, a LOT of online shipping!

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I start Christmas shopping mid-October to first of November. I like to be 90% done by the first of December so I’ve got time to enjoy the whole month of events and decorations. I do 95% online and 5% at local stores.

 The following gifts wouldn’t require shopping:

"Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect." - Oren Arnold (
https://www.thebalance.com/christmas-shopping-quotes-2892328)

 

I like Arnold’s suggestions. And I’m working on my list, hoping to wrap by mid-December. After all, ‘tis the season.

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