Christmas Traditions, Part 1--The Shopping

Christmas is a time for family and traditions. I thought I'd use the four Mondays between now and Christmas to share a few of our family traditions as well. If you'd like to participate and share some of your own, I'll have a link up next Monday, so start thinking.

This post could be all about my adventures on Black Friday--like how I scored the deal of the day not at 3 AM but at 9:30 AM and at Toys R Us of all places (but people who read my blog can't know about that score just yet), or how I discovered Karen's deep dark underwear secret (but won't disclose the details), or how Kohl's wasn't worth our time, or how I hit Target three times that day, or how I actually spent fourteen straight hours shopping (2 AM to 4 PM).

Instead, this post is a strategy post--how to successfully navigate Black Friday.  Remember, these are my tips from years of experience.  Many mistakes.  Some successes.  And you can file these away until next year!

Tip #1--Make a plan of attack.  If there is one item on your list that is a must-have, then plan accordingly.  Set aside buffer time before that store opens to wait in line outside--up to an hour, depending on the store.  It will be worth it when you get inside.  If that one desired item is at Toys R Us, give up now.  The store is a zoo and always poorly managed for the amount of traffic they get. I heard people complain that, even though the store opened at 10 PM the night before, it was still a 4-6 hour experience.  Not worth my time to save $20 on a wagon.

Tip #2--Don't set your heart on any one item.  You're doomed for disappointment.  Be ready to roll with the punches.  Sometimes you get what you're after.  Sometimes you don't.  That's part of the game.

Tip #3--Wear something that makes you easy to spot in a crowd--you will get separated, I guarantee it.  And cell phones were invented for this day, I'm sure of it.  Can you spot Karen?

Tip #4--Carry a sizable amount of cash.  Some stores have express lines for cash-only purchases.  This little tidbit saved us hours in line at Best Buy one year.

Tip #5--Get in and get out.  Only grab what's on your list and try to head for the checkout as quickly as possible.  This is a rookie mistake, so don't get distracted by the $9.99 toasters.  You weren't here for that, remember?  Karen and I were actually a bit rusty on this point this year--huge mistake at Kohl's.  We were in line almost an hour.  We didn't go last year since Evie was a month old, and it took a little while for us to work out the kinks.

Tip #6--Have a sense of humor about it.  This really is the best day of the season to shop.  Everyone who's out is there because they want to be, not because Christmas is in three days and they still haven't found a Zhu Zhu pet.  There are some Grinches out there, a few rude people, and a few who won't follow the unwritten code of Black Friday (including don't cut in line and don't cut in line).  But for the most part, everyone is still full of the Christmas spirit.  Enjoy it. I think we wore these the first time they were in style.

Tip #7--Don't have high hopes of things getting done at home in your absence.  We had been out for almost seven hours (around 9 AM) when I decided to text home and see how things were going.  This is the text I got back when I asked how Evie was (and I quote):

"Great.  Like a little human raised by wolves on the tundra, scruffling happily in her own dirt and poo and eating whatever she finds on the ground."

Tip #7A--Don't let messages like this distract you from your duties.  In Brad's defense, I came home to a fairly clean house where all the Christmas lights had been hung.  So sometimes you get a good surprise!

Tip #8--Eat frequently and caffeine will be your friend.  Need I say more?

Tip #9--Try to get as much accomplished as you can physically handle.  I actually got completely done this year--aside from one small purchase still needed at Old Navy (the line was insufferable) and one item I need to order online.  Completely done--even stockings.  That is the first time I've accomplished it.  It's always been that elusive carrot on the stick, but I did it this year.  And I can't wait to enjoy the rest of the season without the distraction and pressure of shopping still looming over me.

Tip #10--This one is really the key to an enjoyable Black Friday.  It is imperative that you find someone who shops exactly like you--hurries at the right times and dawdles at the right times.  Someone who can stand the sight of your 2 AM face all day long.  We weren't that cute, but we were productive. 

Karen:  Thirteen years, and we can still hang with the young 'uns.  Thanks for a fantastic day.  I wouldn't dream of doing it without you!

What are your holiday shopping secrets?  I'd love to hear!


Next Week: Holiday Decorating Traditions