A sociology graduate student's fall 2008 research project revealed that approximately 1/3 of the women in the United States find it stressful to shop for Christmas presents for friends and family.
The primary source of stress, the survey found, came from the desire of shoppers to choose the perfect gift for every friend and family member on their Christmas list.
The second and third causes of stress were revealed to be finding the time to do all of the required shopping, and the high cost of the gifts.
But, Christmas shopping doesn't have to be highly stressful. If you are a stressed out Christmas shopper, try these simple tips to make the season happier for you.
1. First, construct a budget to ensure that you will not spend more than you can afford. Promise yourself you will not exceed it under any circumstances, and stick to your promise.
2. Do some price comparisons online. And, buy online if you find what you want. But, be sure you factor in shipping costs, if any.
3. Be careful about using credit cards unless you can pay off all your charges quickly. If you become an undisciplined shopper when using credit cards, leave them at home and do your Christmas shopping with cash only.
4. If you are able to use a credit card without overextending yourself, choose one which offers cash back, hotel discounts, or other benefits you can use.
5. Instead of trying to give everyone the perfect gift, which is impossible, give some of your friends a gift card from a store or restaurant they like. That will reduce your stress and ensure that your friends will wind up with a gift they like.
Christmas shopping and Christmas giving should be fun, or at least not unpleasant. And it will be if you follow the suggestions above. - 16003
The primary source of stress, the survey found, came from the desire of shoppers to choose the perfect gift for every friend and family member on their Christmas list.
The second and third causes of stress were revealed to be finding the time to do all of the required shopping, and the high cost of the gifts.
But, Christmas shopping doesn't have to be highly stressful. If you are a stressed out Christmas shopper, try these simple tips to make the season happier for you.
1. First, construct a budget to ensure that you will not spend more than you can afford. Promise yourself you will not exceed it under any circumstances, and stick to your promise.
2. Do some price comparisons online. And, buy online if you find what you want. But, be sure you factor in shipping costs, if any.
3. Be careful about using credit cards unless you can pay off all your charges quickly. If you become an undisciplined shopper when using credit cards, leave them at home and do your Christmas shopping with cash only.
4. If you are able to use a credit card without overextending yourself, choose one which offers cash back, hotel discounts, or other benefits you can use.
5. Instead of trying to give everyone the perfect gift, which is impossible, give some of your friends a gift card from a store or restaurant they like. That will reduce your stress and ensure that your friends will wind up with a gift they like.
Christmas shopping and Christmas giving should be fun, or at least not unpleasant. And it will be if you follow the suggestions above. - 16003
About the Author:
Betty Hanson is an editor for The Big Brain, a new internet directory and an article author who writes on online degree programs, distance education, and non-traditional PhD degree programs.
