“Last minute” shopping is relative to your state of mind. For some, it can mean one month prior to Christmas; for others, one week, or even the night before Christmas.  It depends on the individual. So how do you manage your stress during the last minutes of your last minute shopping, and not lose your marbles?

When it gets down to handing the stress of your last minute shopping, and better prioritize your needs, here are some guidelines to consider: (Keep in mind your list of priorities may be different so the key is to make a list that fits your needs and allows the least amount of stress in your last minute shopping spree!!)

IMMEDIATE FAMILY

Start with your immediate family – Whether you are in good or bad terms with your parents, your mom and dad should be high up on your list of priority shopping.  Next come siblings – and it is okay to spend more time and effort into picking out a gift for a brother you have a better relationship with then your sister.  There is no “fair” gift giving so don’t let that be a pressure.  It is alright to spend more money or give a more meaningful gift to a sibling you have a closer relationship with.  Sometimes to avoid jealous gift situations we purchase the same gift for all siblings versus unique selected gifts.  This is fine too if it alleviates stress, however, don’t let the pressure to be “fair” get to you because there is no fair when it comes to Christmas.

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