How to Battle the Holiday Shopping Madness

The last week of shopping prior to Christmas can be down right brutal. Last minute gifts, stores dropping prices to clear inventory and boost sales, and people busy and on the go needing to be everywhere in the shortest time possible. Well, a little preparation and planning along with a few good tips can bring stress levels down, and, make the seas of shoppers and parking lots full of cars a little easier to navigate.

The List – Like Santa you need to check it twice. Going shopping at this stage of the game without knowing exactly what you want is pure folly. You really want at least three ideas per person on your list and you want to spend some time online checking stores and inventory to make sure the stores you hit have what you want in stock because you don't have time to browse.

When to Shop – Early morning and late at night are ideal. Otherwise it's a crapshoot.

The Route – You know what you want so the next step is making a route to your stores. Map it out and plan a route that is as circular as possible. Try to cluster stores together when possible to save time driving. Once around the track and you are done!

The Drive – Stay right! The easiest way to drive in a busy traffic time is to follow you route in a clockwise manner. This means if you aren't going straight you are turning right. Right lane turns are faster plus using side streets to avoid lights going right is easier as well.

The Parking Spot – The stores you go to usually have easy access to the parking lot from a main road, you know, the way you normally go into park. Don't go this way! It's a trap that funnels you to a standstill. You want to hit the parking lot from the back or the side where nobody goes. Don't waste time looking for that perfect spot up front. The time you waste waiting to get in and out is usually less than the brisk walk from a spot near your backdoor entry.

The Shopping Cart – Avoid them like the plague. They are just an albatross that slows you down. If you are getting big ticket items then get one but otherwise use your hands or some of the soft 'green' bags that fold flat easily.

In the Store – As Bruce Lee said, "Be like water making its way through the cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust..find a way around or through it." You have your list so go straight to what you need flowing around the crowds. No crisscrossing the store either. If you have more than one thing, shop from one side of the store to the other.

The Checkout – Look for Guest Service first. A lot of stores can check-out from these desks, like Target for example. Otherwise scan the lines as you approach. Look for medium to short lines with people that have only a few items and seem primed to go fast. No price-checks, checkbooks or carts full of items. Also watch for the new cashiers opening and be ready to line jump!

Final Thoughts – Go to the bathroom before you leave the house. Have water and snacks in the car. Listen to your favorite music to keep your mood good between stores. Drop the kids off at Grandma's, this is a trip for one.

All right people, let's be smart and be safe out there. It's game time and we want to make sure everyone comes out a winner with no injuries or casualties this holiday season.