Thursday, December 9, 2010

Managing the Many Moods of Christmas

Maybe it's just me, but I seem to have so many different moods when it comes to Christmas spending.

I was thrilled to pick up two Christmas ornaments at Hallmark for 95 cents each using two $5 off coupons that were in my local newspaper. (I traditionally put a new ornament in each daughter's Christmas stocking.) Then I turned right around and paid full price ($99)for a Wii FIT for my oldest daughter even though I've seen it on sale for $20 and $30 less.

Obviously this makes no fiscal sense.

At various points during the Christmas frenzy, I get tired and just want to get the shopping done, never mind the cost.

The other day, I could not locate the one document I needed for a $30 rebate on a telephone for one of my kids. I was ready to say "Forget it," when calmer heads prevailed and I did, indeed, manage to locate the errant barcode.

But it is SO easy to just let things go, pay the full price, and move on.

I'm still within my budget this Christmas, but I'd better get a handle on my moods or that may not remain true.

Some days, I'm with Scrooge!

Bah Humbug, indeed!

12 comments:

Nicole said...

Stay within budget!

Good luck! I haven't even *started* shopping yet...

Sharon said...

I've experienced the same moods! I've decided to take a mental and physical break from shopping for that very reason! Usually it wouldn't bother me, but because I'm on a strict budget for Christmas, every penny counts. You got quite the bargain for the ornaments! :)!

Grace. said...

I hear ya, Nicole--but you DON'T want to be one of those folks trying to find something suitable at the 7-11 on Christmas Eve!!

Nicole said...

I'm aiming to start Dec 15th. All my finals are Dec 13th.

And we do know what we *want* to get... it's just a matter of actually, you know, getting it.

Anita said...

Christmas gets one off budget like no other. I guess we'll all do our best.
It'll work out.

LC said...

Recognizing the effects of your moods -- and tiredness levels -- is a great start on staying within the Christmas budget. I have suffered from the same swings of "just get it and get out" moods. One of the ways I am combating that this year is attempting to give "experiences." As a result I am buying a number of season passes online to attractions (e.g. Audubon Zoo in New Orleans) that family members enjoy.

Anonymous said...

I'm with you on the manic-depressive Christmas shopping. It can be exhausting right? But persistance usually pays off as does a calm attitude. Heck, if I were you I'd still look for a Wii Fit and then return the one you paid full price for.

Donna Freedman said...

Do what works for you -- but keep your receipt just in case you find a better Wii deal, as MutantSupermodel suggests.
When you're done, make free with the Christmas cookies -- you've earned them!
And for a laugh break (I hope!), may I suggest a post I did about the things it's too late to do?
http://www.donnafreedman.com/2010/11/29/holiday-2010-countdown-youre-probably-already-running-late/

Petunia 100 said...

Where did you buy the Wii Fit? Some stores will give you an advertised sale price, even elsewhere, within a certain time frame. Just take the ad and your receipt to customer service and have the difference refunded.

Lisa said...

I do the same thing!! Usually when I am tired and frustrated...Oh well... Tis the season!

Barb said...

You have my sympathies. Because I kow for the fact that I am a low energy person, I shop throughout the year, as well as bake and freeze. this means the only thing I still have to get is a Kindle (because amazon has a 30 day return policy on the things).

Janette said...

I'm on the "get it over with" side of shopping.