Recently, my toddler's childcare program said they'd be giving parents a rebate. "Just choose the month you want it," the director said. "I'm guessing most people will choose December because of Christmas."
"Hah!" I replied. "Put me down for January, because that's when the credit card bill for Christmas is due."
And she laughed. "Right."
Really, we're both right, because most of us will start gearing up this month - November - for fulfilling those Christmas lists. We've got to figure out who's getting what as well as what the big item for those kiddos will be, because we all know there won't be any Olaf's from Frozen left sitting on the shelves that last week before Christmas.
But here's the thing. Shopping in general has changed over the past ten years. A lot. Now, aided by online outlets, we have more choices than ever for spending those holiday bucks, so how do you decide where to spend your shopping efforts?
Enter our topic for the month: Eeenie, meanie, miney, mo - if I'm Christmas shopping, where do I go?
Local Stores - On November 13, we will be discussing the benefits of shopping local, with wise words from one of our own local vendors, as well as a rundown of the deals a parent can take advantage of if they put their money back into small, locally-owned businesses.
Local Retailers - On November 20, we'll discuss the pros and cons of heading to your local chain retailer, the deals you can sometimes score through discount programs, and their holiday specials. We'll also review whether you should have a parka and tent ready in preparation for the morning of Black Friday.
Online Retailers - And finally, on November 27 (Happy Thanksgiving!), just a few days before "Black Monday," we will discuss the pros and cons of spending those holiday dollars online. Many of us believe things are cheaper/more available on line. Is that true? What are the benefits of shopping in pink bunny pajamas (besides being able to wear pink bunny pajamas)? What are the drawbacks? An expert in online purchasing will weigh in on the matter!
So stay tuned! And get those wallets ready to go. Because something is going to slim down by Christmas, and I'm afraid to say, it's probably not your waistline.
But that's part of the fun, right?
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