If you have been anywhere lately you know that the supply chain is a huge issue. In even worse news it is not getting any better anytime soon. Everyone from big box vendors to smaller local businesses are feeling it and it isn’t going to get any better anytime soon. So what does this mean for you when it comes to your holiday shopping. I am going to tell you.
I have seen a lot of posts lately saying things like, “if the supply chain is going to ruin your Christmas you need to get your priorities straight.” and while I get the sentiment this issue spas far past Christmas gifts alone. There are many things that go into making a Christmas special like gatherings and parties and fun exchanges with friends. The issues with getting supplies is going to be a lot more than just the gifts you wanted to give. You can already see in effects in Halloween that shelves are empty, businesses like Target are packing up specialty sections before the event has even passed.
So how do we manage this season without having our sanity blow up? I have a few ideas.
Shop Local
This is always going to be my first suggestion. We have so many wonderful, local business who are run by men and women who live in your community and pay taxes that go to your local police department and school. Please always think first of the places that you can shop local. So many of your local retailers have been watching this supply issue happen and they have been planning for it. They are going to be the retailers who bail you out this holiday.
Plan Early
This one one should really go without saying. Plan early. Each and every year there is this flurry of chaos before he holiday of people needing last minute items. Christmas should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment anyway so knock out your shopping and errands early and sit back and enjoy.
Check with your retailers on when the deadline on their ship dates will be. Most retailers have moved up ship dates drastically. I saw one recently that was ending taking custom orders at the end of October. You need to know how much time you have to get the things you need especially if they are going to be an in demand item.
Non Traditional Gifts
We often ask our parents for non toy gifts for the kids. They gifted us with a Louisiana Children’s Museum membership one year and this year my mom is getting my kids safari adventures at the Audubon Zoo. They get a lot of things to open at Christmas so having a few experience based gifts is always nice. You can find my list here.
What can you make at home
Homemade gifts can be the best for sometimes. My mom loves a good project from one of the kids. But think past that… baked goods for your neighbors, home cooked meals for friends, a cook book of your favorite southern recipes for a co-worker who isn’t from here. There are a lot of easy things you could do at home without having to shop.
Being able to change your expectations mid stream the key to enjoying life in my opinion. Like anything the last few years has taught us is that we need to be ready, and willing, to change our expectations quickly and move to a new idea. I am hoping everyone has a wonderful holiday season.
XO,
Tiffany
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