…..Just stay home!
Yeah, actually those three words are my best advice about Christmas shopping. Trust me, I know these things! After sixty-four years of marriage and the age that implies, I have tested all methods of Christmas shopping. Of course, that was before online shopping, which I love. Back to the subject.
I first published this blog December 2, 2013. This morning I realized I was beginning to have the same thoughts about Christmas shopping and suddenly remembered my own Excellent Advice. So here it is again.
I love numbers. After my husband served 6 years in military service; after 5 years of his undergraduate studies; after many years of his graduate studies; after 3 children, (all this time with 0 discretionary funds), I finally began to notice a singular truth about my shopping: If I went out of the house I would spend money! That’s it! It was as simple as that! To resist the urge to shop, I would make a cup of coffee, grab a cookie, and wait for the urge to pass….and it would pass. Yay! Just think how much money I saved today, I would think. Perhaps the thought of taking three little children along with my shopping trip had something to do with deciding to “…just stay home.” Maybe.
Fast forward to today with the convenience of online shopping at my fingertips. Remember I said that I love it. Well, I’ve learned something about that, too; If I fill out all the necessary information in the Shopping Cart…i.e. the mailing address, credit card number, on and on, I’ll probably make a mistake and have to delete the whole thing. I’m usually so aggravated and bored by that time, I go find something else more fun to do. Yay! Just think how much money I saved today.
Recently while shopping online at a fancy store website, I came to the final bottom line stating the cost, it was really low….yes LOW! I thought how can that be? I just ordered some expensive items, jackets, sweaters, etc. I pondered this for a while and decided to start over by going back to the home page of the store. Oh! I see it now….in big bold letters it read “EVERYTHING 70% OFF TODAY.” That answered my question and confirmed my growing suspicion that I am the world’s worst shopper. Yes, I started over and bought all the same things I wanted as before. Oops! I didn’t save any money that day.
You might also find it helpful to know that if you are traveling with all your children and you are on a tight budget……don’t stop the car……ever! It will cost you money if you do. I’ve tested that theory before, in fact, we’ve lived it. However, I’ll admit it is a little difficult if you are trying to get to Lubbock, Texas from Houston, Texas in one day. At last count it is almost 600 miles.
Friends, that is the extent of my shopping advice gleaned through hard-earned experience and a lot of fun. Get a cup of coffee and a cookie….and wait.
I wish you and your family a blessed and happy Thanksgiving Day and season!
And Merry Christmas, one and all. Praise Him as we celebrate His birthday.
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“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory,
the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14
‘Til He Shouts!
Letters From Adele 
Yes, I’ve noticed that if I don’t go and do my “retail therapy” I save money, too! I did do a lot of my Christmas shopping on-line last year and loved it! So convenient and easy and especially when you get sales and free shipping!! 🙂
Yes, it seems we have each learned how to shop. 🙂 Thanks for reading and commenting, Sheila.
Yes, excellent shopping advice!
Merry Christmas to you and David!
Love your ‘Til He Shouts!
Blessings, Gloria and Walt
On Wed, Nov 23, 2016 at 10:10 AM, Letters From Adele wrote:
> Adele Bower posted: “…..Just stay home! Yeah, actually those three words > are my best advice about Christmas shopping. Trust me, I know these things! > After sixty-four years of marriage and the age that implies, I have tested > all methods of Christmas shopping. Of course, tha” >
Thank you, Gloria. Wishing you and Walt a blessed Christmas and coming new year.
I think this year online shopping has been my best friend. So quick and easy and so many amazing options at your fingertips. I definitely saved money on gas, driving from store to store, yay!!!
Happy Thanksgiving
See you tomorrow ❤️
Yes, Karen, I agree that online shopping is the best. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Excellent advice, indeed! Thank you for reminding me, Adele. I’ve noticed that, too – that, if I go into a store, I will buy something. So, I stay out of stores, as much as possible – any time of the year. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
Alison, It was my “save money” strategy for years and years. Everything in the stores is SO beautiful, colorful, exciting, tempting, how can I expect to resist.
Have a great day tomorrow. Love you.