Filed under: 2009
Shopping in December is nutso to begin with, but toss in unpreparedness and a whole lot of chaos and you’re fit to be tied. These things are pretty universal, but are especially important to observe during holiday free for alls.
Let’s avoid all that unpleasantness… it’s very simple to do!
Leave babies at home. This is a classic parental mis-step. Strollers are like adding pylons to a packed obstacle course – it’s a really bad idea. Like Trick-or-Treating, it’s utterly pointless to bring your offspring to a busy shopping area; your stress goes up and their happiness goes down, which usually creates crying. Rampant Christmas carols and sleigh bells ringing are bad enough without your bean shaped human (or pet) adding to the racket!
Leave kids at home. Unless your child is exceptionally patient and quiet (I’ve yet to see this in peak shopping season), leave Johnny and Susie at home with a babysitter. Besides, loose wee lips sink mighty big ships – kids can’t keep gift knowledge to themselves and complain a hell of a lot. If you’re one of those parents that wants to nurture your child’s independence by letting them stumble walk on their own, save the life lesson for January.
Don’t be a stinker. If only for this time of year, wear an anti-perspirant. Rank shoppers are an incredible faux pas, and are entirely preventable; you can forgo being au naturel and become pit pore clogged for one day.
Fully charge your iPod. There’s nothing worse than being stuck amongst squalling youngsters and actually having to listen to them – do yourself a favor and make sure your selection of music is available for the whole day. This also saves the headache of carols and carolers; a human can only stand that for a select number of minutes in the day.
Don’t be an ass. No matter how angry/tired/hungry/etc you are, don’t be a jerk. Everyone is just as angry/tired/hungry as you are, and they’re struggling to hide it; don’t be that person who causes the newspaper worthy holiday brawl.
Eat before attempting to shop. Hungry shoppers are mental shoppers, and a mental shopper is a terror. Eat a meal before attempting to brave the company of others and bring a few snacks just in case.
Scope out items of interest before sales and know what you’re looking for. If you have no clue, scope out the store’s website. It’s better to be aware of a shop’s stock before attempting to bust an elbow fighting for your finds than to go and show up bewildered at the choices.
Wear proper footwear and cover up. You would think this was a no brainer, but it seems that those who have no brains are the offenders! Keep your heels and sandals at home, and cover those bare legs – trust me, nobody is impressed by that foolish display to begin with. Remember, it’s December and cold outside.
Know what you’re looking for, and for whom. If you’re wandering around wondering what Uncle Bill wants for Christmas this year, you’re hindering shop staff and other consumers. Know what you’re roughly looking for before you leave your home base and you’ll be more efficient and less aggro by the time you escape.
Take heed, and good luck!
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i totally agree! i decided on the weekend that i wouldn’t bring my young children christmas shopping. waiting for the elevator? no thanks.
you forgot to mention old people. if you walk slow, maybe go at non-peak hours, otherwise you’re just in my way!
12.08.09 @ 12:06 pmLeave a comment
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