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- kim nakahodo - Profile | Pictures | Blog
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Every year I say the same thing, “This is the year I am DONE shopping by Thanksgiving!” I am proud to say that this year, I was done with the boys’ gifts by Thanksgiving…. the problem is that I didn’t stop shopping after I was ‘done.’
I should know better! I worked in retail for 12 years, I know all the tricks. The on-propose store mazes, the well placed (and sponsored) endcaps, the colorful signage, the ‘hot’ sales prices and coupons and the phasing of merchandise.
I have a set budget and a special account that I draw funds from for Christmas. I figured that out years ago… but I sidestep my own cleaver planning by purchasing things throughout the year. I am terrible about buying things year-round then forgetting about them. I buy stuff in August and shove it in a hiding place and forget about it until I go to wrap it.
I visited my gift hoard last night and wow. Yea… I over did it again. The biggest problem is that I am a giant nerd and I am into all of the things my son is just now getting in to. I had to wait for him to grow up enough for him to love Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Star Trek, Pokemon, Ninja Turtles and video games as much as I do. I am also a self-proclaimed toy collector and now have a valid reason to buy action figures. Awesome. I have been buying them for years for no reason; it feels great to be able to buy them for their intended purpose!
It’s hard to pass up a cute $3 gift here and there for my kids, my friends and coworkers. I really need to just stay in the rest of December. Then again, Amazon calls my name when I a home as well! It’s really hard to (nerd quote) ‘Stay on Target’ when I am at Target doing my grocery shopping! I am supposed to be there to buy nourishing food for my family, but they do such a great job of incorporating holiday products into their shelves, it’s hard to say no!
After this weekend, I am REALLY done though. That’s it. I only have a few gift cards left on my list and I plan to knock those out online this coming weekend. I have gone over my budget, but not by much. The good news is that I am done for Easter now too!
How about you guys? Are you stronger than I am (probably)?
Side Note: I have brought out the Elf on a Shelf this weekend. So far so good. I have decided that my elf will not be mischievous. I mean, I bought that creepy thing to CURB that behavior in my house, right? Not to encourage it. :)
The 64,000 question; What budget. Seems I'm always broke at christmas. But alwyas manage. That's part of the fun. Making it happen.
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