It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

This post is dedicated to a college suitemate of mine who willingly admits to reading my blog in her Christmas card, but refuses to acknowledge me in public. So, to the person who taught me everything I know about bargain shopping, this one's for you. :)

Aaaaahhhhhhh!
What could be better than Christmas itself, but the day after Christmas shopping and B&B Works semi-annual sale? There is nothing like the feeling of finding better deals than Black Friday has to offer. Every year after a long string of family Christmas celebrations, including a late "Christmas Day Night" family get together, this chic rolls out of bed at 5:45 A.M., stops at Starbucks to get her favorite beverage, and hits the stores of her choice. Although I abhor conversation in the morning, I practically scare the Starbuck's server before giving me my drink as I excitedly clap my hands together and announce that I am going shopping. (Like he really cares, but since he still was in a good Christmas spirit, he acted like he did.) :)

In the process, there is complete joy in the anticipation of what I'm going to find and for whom I will be able to cross off my "list of gifts" that I need to purchase throughout the year. Not to mention, the satisfaction of knowing those persons will be getting a lot nicer present than I would typically be able afford solely because I'm taking the time to bargain hunt.

The key to being successful at after Christmas shopping is to be selective in your purchases. Even though 50% off seems like a great deal, tis not always the case and one learns that certain items will still be there when the store goes to 75% off, 90% if you're around a Target, you lucky ducks! There are a couple of standards that I keep myself to and for those of you who have some suggestions that you've kept as a "rule" for yourself, please share!!!! The first one is to keep on open mindset. When I began this venture in my life, I would worry more about "crossing off my list" than finding the right gift. This one standard has turned what used to be a "stressor" into now, a wonderful "surprise factor". I have fun in looking and sorting through lots average stuff to locate the one item that reminds me of a relative or friend in my life. My mental point of view is if I bump into something, great. If I don't, then I'm not going to buy just for the sake of getting a discount. The second rule of thumb is to never pass up something that you're going to regret later. If I'm debating about an item and waiting until the additional discount, I play hypothetical and ask myself, would I buy this if the store didn't offer a bigger percentage? That question confirms my decision for me every time.

Why do all this? The obvious answer, budget. However, this kind of shopping is fun. For those of you who are avid yard salers and "authentic" coupon shoppers, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about. There is the "real world" of shopping and then there is the "coupon/bargain world" of shopping. (Reminds one of real world and blog world, doesn't it?) Well, I can only tell you that this kind of habit saves my family thousands each year. Not to mention, I always adjust my "show schedule" for the year by the number of items that are left to purchase on my gift list. Did I happen to mention that I also picked a few exotic, new scarves? :) You'll have to be sure to catch a performance. I won't be out and about so much this year, I had a very profitable experience.

Yes, it is the most wonderful time of the year. It can be for you too: it's time to get out of the real world and into the coupon/bargain world!

P.S. Yes, Anon switched to Beta.