Then I sat down to my laptop and the stress settled in. Holy crap. I've gotten a wicked number of emails and articles and announcements telling me I can get 15% off here, 50% off there, use these coupon codes on these days, and jump three times in place while drinking water and tapping your head. And that doesn't even crack the book on all of the gift guides. Oy! I am on overload already and it is only December 2nd.
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| Jane Means |
How do you manage all your holiday cheer? Do you keep up with all of the 'advice' or just go with what you know? What % lures you in to a sale? (I got an email for 7% off and let me tell you, that is NOT a sale. That's just foolish)
I actually spent some time online today and pretty much finished 90% of my shopping! Yea! I went to the sites I liked...then searched for additional coupons...and hit the purchase button...done! I might have been able to save a few more percent...but at the end of the day it is not worth the time, stress, and blood shot eyes! Save the red & white for the candy canes...
ReplyDeleteI haven't been online much either. Just posting small things to let the readers know I'm still here and it's been refreshing! Disconnecting is important and seems to be a trend with blogs lately. I hear ya on the sales in your inbox. I personally don't get excited over anything less than 15 percent off unless it's coupled with free shipping. I personally get 15 percent off offers all the time anyways, so I think for it to be a black friday sale they need to up their game more than that.
ReplyDeleteIt just all makes me shut down. I have tuned out for the most part so I can enjoy the holidays!
ReplyDeleteDrink!
ReplyDeletei deleted every single email- they make me buy things i don't need. i will make my list and get what i need and everything will be alright. :)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, the whole thing makes me sick ... and I probably am missing 10% off somewhere. But I love the spirit, not just sitting at my computer buying. Don and I plan one day every Christmas season, we spend the day shopping and having lunch and drinking wine. We have a ball. Sometimes the kids wonder what we were thinking when we bought their presents ... but oh so much more fun!! xo
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I'm glad I'm not the only one. I ordered some cards and things a week ago before the sales started and now am trying to ignore and delete all those emails until the whole thing is behind us. I just can't deal with sales no matter how good they are.
ReplyDeletexo Mary Jo
http://MagicalMined.blogspot.com
Wish I had a little time for some cyber shopping today. I did some weekend shopping with my mom over Thanksgiving and I plan to do lots of online shopping this year. I'm not big on crowds and traffic.
ReplyDeleteI make a spreadsheet every year so that I can jot down gift ideas for the people on my list as they come to me. Once I have an idea of what I want to buy, if it goes on sale I buy it. I try to avoid buying things just because they're a "good deal", since I find I end up buying things I don't need or that aren't really a good fit for the recipient. I find there are so many good deals online leading up to the holidays that all those "last chance" emails are usually lies!!
ReplyDeleteJust remember that the internet is just one giant avenue of advertisement- and honestly, there is nothing most middle class adults "need..." Hubby and I take our gift money ( after gifting the kids) and we find a family to help out, donate some extra to the food bank, and donate a bit to worthy cause. I did Black Friday online and it was easy-peasy.
ReplyDeleteIf you haven't seen the movie "Happy" ( it's on Netflix now) I highly recommend it! The movie shows how there is NO correlation to stuff and happiness once basic needs are met. A good reminder this time of year.
I agree, at first I was frantic to take advantage of all the sales, then I thought I shouldn't force buy, since Im not sure I need any of it. We did buy alot of client items on Black Friday and will pass some of that onto the client..some of it :)
ReplyDeleteTake your time with the holidays, remember it's the journey to Christmas that is almost more fun. xoxo Nancy
I second Linda's comment, haha!! :)
ReplyDeleteXOXO,
The Glam Pad
70% got me to buy a new rug for my family room...I really wanted something from Kate Spade at 75%, but I resisted...I'm feeling very holiday cheery already, I think it's my two little ones that are getting me excited so early!!
ReplyDeleteI think it's harder with younger children. Their expectations are higher, and it's just a bigger production. My daughter made a gift guide for my blog, but she really doesn't want anything. Seriously. Not a thing. Good for you for going offline!
ReplyDelete7% off, I am dying with laughter.
ReplyDeleteI'm into it bigtime, let me tell you. And, I love all of it.
xx's
I love being offline, it feels so good! I resisted the sales except for one, it takes a high % off and free shipping to get me to buy. Instead I went to see the Nutcracker with one of my nieces for her Christmas present, that was so much more fun than any toy on sale!
ReplyDeleteHa! I actually kind of love Cyber Monday. I prefer online shopping with little kids. I used to love going out and hand picking gifts, but online shopping just works for me right now. I agree, some sites offer free shipping and I'm like "big whoop." For me, 25% off or more is what I usually look for, but certain sites that never have sales and offer 15% off and free shipping can get my attention too.
ReplyDeleteHope you all had a great holiday!
I usually make my presents since I am an only child and I never know what to get my parents. The rest of my family has a White Elephant Christmas so it's really easy for me to shop. :)
ReplyDeleteavidaebelaofm.blogspot.com
I pretty much took the weekend off of reading blogs and emails and got crazy stressed Monday. I try not to get pulled in to anything less than 25% and I will really only buy this early if it is perfect for the person... not because I'm getting a great deal. My family has started to do a draw so I only have to get presents for 9 people and have things for about half of them.
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding? 7% off! Anyway, I am trying to not get caught up in all the hype or spend $ that I do not have. It's all about repurposing or using what I have. Re shopping, I have bought clothes for the kids via these sweet sales.
ReplyDeleteHonestly it's all so overwhelming. I generally go with what I know and like (and what I know other people will like) regardless of sale. Mostly I cross my fingers that my favorite shops are having a sale. Haha.
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, I can't keep up with all the "advice" out there. All those night holiday planning worksheets and tools just take more time and effort to use than just going about my business and getting things done as best as I can. Keep calm and carry on! :)
ReplyDelete