How to avoid the festive season mall madness
Shoving in a little bit of last-minute festive shopping? Worried you won't make it? Here's how to get around that slice of anxiety.
Christmas can be a nightmare for anyone trying to get last minute shopping done. Trying to get your festive season shopping finished in the week or days leading up to Christmas can have you pulling your hair out in frustration. Here are a few tips to help make sure you enjoy a stress-free festive season:
Avoid the food court, make sure kids are fed
The last thing you want is for your children to drag you to the food court, which will most likely be congested, be the loudest place in the mall, and have super long queues. Carry snacks just in case the kids get hungry.
Mall buddy
Try not to go to the mall alone, as a) you will have no one to help carry your shopping bags b) you will have no one to watch your things if you need to go to the bathroom c) you will have no one to complain to about the mall madness, and how you regret not doing your shopping early. The great thing about having a mall buddy is you can have turns standing in line. It will help save so much time. Be careful though as your fellow customers might get annoyed and the store may just chuck your mall buddy out the line. It’s worth a try, though.
Split up
How often have you tried to do all your Christmas shopping in one day, but five hours later you’re only on number three of the ten things you need to get done. Standing in long queues can waste a lot of time, and before you know it the mall is closing. If you’re out shopping with your partner or a friend, split up to each carry out different tasks on the list. It will help save a lot of time.
Have a plan of action
Do not, I repeat, do not ever go to the mall without a list. Make sure you know exactly what you need to do and buy, and which stores you need to visit. There is nothing worse than getting home after hours of shopping only to realise you forgot to buy something!
Charge your battery
Make sure everyone you go shopping with has their phones charged. This way when you’re done with all your shopping, you can call your kids or partner to tell them it is time to high tail it out of the circus. The last thing you want to do is to be searching every corner of the mall for your kids.
Ditch the mall
Shopping malls can turn into a circus during the festive season. Ditch the malls, and instead do your Christmas shopping at small local businesses. Not only will you be supporting your community, but there will be less chaos, and you might even find a few hidden treasures. If you still have time, avoid the shops completely and do all your shopping online!