Last minute shopping for Christmas --- do you do this or shop way before?

Yes very much true. Things are very different now due to recession. But it is always fun to take children out during festival times.

Hi, Meapas. It is surely a different feeling of fun taking the children out to dine or shop in malls. It was always our weekend activity when the children were still small. We allowed them to be at the children's activity center to play as long as they wanted. I have observed though that during these times, malls are not so crowded although some store owners have become more enterprising. This must have something to do with the global economic situation.

I do my grocery shopping for Christmas earlier to avoid the long queues and the crowd. Sometimes, it happens that there are really emergencies that need to be done for something that is lacking or something that we just thought we need to have or cook before Christmas. That is what makes me both types of shopper, lol. Yes, we sometimes gets lazy to cook and we prefer to buy ready-to-eat foods. The roasted pig and chicken which we can readily buy or order for the season are so convenient for us. Sometimes, I also order a few dishes from restaurants.

Hi, Farside. I know you have been used to it and surely you aren't affected by any stress that is usually felt by others doing the same thing. It surely adds excitement and fun of the season for you. This has become a part of the season for you. I admire you for that. As long as it is comfortable and as long as you don't find any problem with that, then go for it. It all depends on one's being used to doing things, really. Season's greetings to you and your family!

It is always good to plan and shop ahead of time. Because you have the luxury of time, you are relaxed to shop. You do not get stressed having to rush to buy things when time is running out. And, most of all, you still have time to add some people on the list as soon as you realize you left out some of them. It is so crowded in the stores when everyone shops at the last minute.

Hi, Lelin. You are early to start with your shopping, too. It is always a nice feeling to know that you have started to shop for presents and that only a few are needed to be accomplished. I, too, started my shopping for gifts earlier. I still had time to go back my list and check if there was someone that I left out. Also, I had time to carefully choose the gifts and compare prices. Yes, I have noticed in our place, too, that not too many people are shopping this time. I am sure everyone is affected by the economic crisis.