7 Reasons You Should Start Christmas Shopping Now

christmas-shopping

It’s already spooky season, which means Christmas items will be hitting the rack soon (if they haven’t already). If you’re like me, you’re already thinking about how you can make quarantine holidays amazing for your friends and family. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, my family was huge on shopping in advance. Here are all the reasons why it’s a great time to start your holiday shopping: 

1. You’ve may have already found the perfect gift.

If you already know the perfect gift for your special someone or a beloved family member, why wait? For all you know, that perfect gift might sell out if you wait too long, so it’s better to grab it while you see it. If you do find another perfect gift, you can always return your purchase or add onto the first gift to create the ultimate present for someone you love. 

2. You get first dibs on the best gift hiding spots.

Depending on where you live, you may have to act early to claim the best hiding spots for presents. In my case, I live in a small apartment and often make a game of hiding gifts in plain sight, and occasionally moving them around to avoid notice. 

3. Shipping speeds may continue to be slower than normal.

Shipping speeds may slow down around the holidays as more people order gifts online and the demand for businesses and the post office drastically increases. This year, we have the added challenge of Coronavirus. We haven’t reached the holidays yet, but shipping speeds are already slower due to safety measures put in place to prevent the spread of the virus. It would be a shame if your Christmas shopping arrived late, so it’s best to order early. 

4. You can support small businesses now.

Now more than ever, small businesses need our help to stay afloat. Many small businesses are run by women, people of color, and other minorities. Purchasing gifts from them supports good causes. However, small businesses are less equipped than major retailers to handle a rush of Christmas orders. Ordering early takes some pressure off the business, and ensures you get your gift on time. 

5. Coronavirus restrictions will likely still be in place later this year.

Consider this: When you go to a grocery store or business, you may have to wait in line to enter the store to promote social distancing, or have your temperature taken before you can enter an establishment. As more people start shopping, the wait times to enter establishments will likely increase, as will the inherent risk of exposure to the virus.. 

6. You can beat the rush.

I don’t know about you, but trying to complete my shopping in a large crowd of people just gives me anxiety. I would much rather beat the rush, and then enjoy the holiday season with hot chocolate and some of my favorite Christmas movies. For me, shopping early is a huge stress relief. 

7. It’s fun to be festive.

I am someone who keeps the holiday spirit alive in my heart all year. Christmas carols are a regular part of my usual playlists. When I’m feeling down, doing something festive is a sure-fire way to make me feel better. What is more festive than Christmas shopping? 

Some might argue that Christmas shopping too early takes the fun out of the holidays. Plus, you have to resist the urge to tell your friends and family what great gifts they have coming. But for me, knowing I’m about to make someone happy only increases my excitement for the holidays. Just because you get the bulk of your Christmas shopping done now doesn’t mean you can’t do some last-minute Christmas shopping closer to the holiday, too. I say shop early and stress less.

Feature Image by Jill Wellington from Pexels

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