How to Holiday Shop.

How to Christmas Shop.

How to Hanukah Shop.

How to Buddhist Shop.

How to Whatever Shop (No Matter Who You Are).

Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 26th.

Christmas: Friday, December 25th.

New Years: Friday, January 1st, 2010.

* A Consumer Diary *

Holiday Specials time.

Looks like a good time to shop. Business is way down this year, so all the stores are desperate. The Holiday Sales should be very worthwhile.

Jewelry, tools/home improvement, music, and toys (as usual) seem to be the hot items this year.

The Book Pricing Wars are great. Amazon is selling at unbelievable prices.

Christmas decorations are really cheap.

The retailers aren’t just desperate; they’re panicking.

I’m going to get everything done early this year; otherwise all the good stuff will be long gone.

Have already checked the prices online; hmmm, there’s a lot of good stuff here.

Have already scoured the Sunday paper for ad info and coupons.

This year I’m going to remember to put enough gas in the car… And where’s that Triple A card?

I’m going early in the day; but none of this 6:00 AM nonsense. And I’m not standing in any stupid lines.

I will not park in the handicapped spot this time; really, $600 is ridiculous… For that matter, I better be anal retentive about all traffic laws. Sure, the minor moving traffic violations are “only” $70 or so; but by the time they get done tacking on all the court fees, it’s $300 plus. As for speeding and red lights, it’s the $600 thing again.

This time I’m locking my car doors; two stolen cars in one year would be a bit much.

My thieving, fee-infested, 30%-interest credit card company can drop dead. From now on it’s my debit card or cash. Thou shall not overdraw…

I’m keeping my wallet in my front pocket this time, too many pickpockets. And no more putting it on the counter when I’m buying something; it’s never there anymore when I forget and go back for it.

I will treat everyone with courtesy and respect. I might even start conversations with strangers; but just in the store, not in the parking lot.

I will remember that many stores are willing to negotiate price now. If I know of a lower price on a website, I’ll offer it to the store clerk. If the clerk doesn’t go for it, I’ll ask for the manager.

I’m never offended when the nice lady at the door asks for my receipt. It’s the way of the world these days.

I’m not stopping anyplace on the way home. It really ticked me off last time when all my stuff went missing.

I hope I’m not being followed…

I will remember to lock the door.

I won’t be frustrated because of my having to read the instruction manual more than once. It’s the norm.

I won’t lose my receipts.

I really will fill out and send in the rebate paperwork this time.

Damn, forgot to get batteries. Oh well, the grocery store will come through on that.

You know…, there was a lot of neat stuff online that wasn’t in any of the stores. Why don’t I just shop online for everything? It’s easier, cheaper, and safer. And one heck of a lot less stressful. Besides, most websites are doing free shipping these days. And this could be the last year with the chance to skate on sales taxes.