UNITED STATES—It is so hard to believe that in less than a week Christmas will be upon us. Gosh, it just seems like we were celebrating Thanksgiving, and here’s Christmas out of nowhere. People say it all the time, but it really feels like it in 2024. The year is pretty much over, once Christmas ends, you have New Year’s Eve and 2025 is upon us.
With that said, the big question so many of you are probably thinking about is have you finished that Christmas shopping. I thought I was done, but then it hit me, I’M NOT! I still have about three people to get gifts for and in the midst of working way more than I should I’m going to have to deal with the massive crowds this weekend (the busiest of the entire year) to get some last-minute Christmas gifts. Yes, I used to be one to venture out on Xmas Eve after work, if time permits, but the older I have gotten, I’ve learned from my past; I don’t have the patience anymore.
Plus, waiting until Christmas Eve is not wise, because I can guarantee you 2000 percent, you’re not finding any deals. The retailers know people will be spending money, so you can bet that you’ll have to spend a lot more on those gifts if you wait until the last-minute and I pray to the mountains that is not the case.
I have to get something for my niece, who is a precocious one. Her sneaker game is top tier, her fashion game unlike any other, and her tech interest fascinates me. She has given me an idea of a few things she wants, but I’m frying my brain trying to figure out exactly what is the best gift to deliver that will make her happy and I’m satisfied with in the process? I’ll figure it out, but it might be stressful doing it, which is what I hate about gift-giving.
It should be fun and exciting, not a process that leaves one stressed to the limit trying to find the best option possible. I know one thing that is true, I have no intentions of going to the mall during the peak hours of spending this week. It is GOING TO BE CHAOS with people amongst people all trying to purchase those last-minute gifts. I plan to get up early and try to get to whatever retailers I have to get to, right as they open or they plan to open so that I can get in and get out without dealing with a plethora of people in the process.
It is not going to be easy, but I’m determined to accomplish what I have to do before Christmas Eve hurries upon us because I have to work my day job as it’s a mandatory requirement and it will be absolute mayhem where I work. I think the best deals unfolded at retailers this past week because nearly everyone had sales. I don’t see those sales unfolding this week.
I just don’t because the retailers know the American public will be spending money, and guess what, your wallet is about to take a hit if you didn’t get all your shopping done early. However, for some Americans, you have to shop when the money is there, especially if you’re doing all in your power to not utilize credit and rely on cash. Have fun, pack the patience and be prepared to wait.