CYBER MONDAY OR GREEN MONDAY (SHOPPING ONLINE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

With terms like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Green Monday we should have a Red Christmas when everything is said and done. So being an avid shopper as most of America is I'm sure you know what all of these mean but just in case you are like me (go in for one thing, get it, and leave) then I would need to explain all of these colorful terms to you.

Black Friday is a term that retailers added to attract shoppers to their stores on the day after Thanksgiving. Research had shown that this was the biggest shopping day of the year and retailers made a successful attempt to capitalize on it. Each year shoppers flock to the store in droves to participate in the shopping frenzy. Many stores open very early and stayopen late into the night hosting huge sales to entice shoppers.

This year was no different and from one end of the country to the other the frenzy was rampant. On the East Coast a temporary Wal-Mart employee was trampled to death as shoppers bombarded the store breaking down the doors to gain entrance.

On the West Coast an argument escalated into a fist fight between two ladies ensuing in a gun battle between their men folk. This culminated in the two men shooting and killing each other while everyone else at Toys-R-Us ran to safety.

Each year the battle over obtaining the latest and greatest toy gets more and more violent.

Cyber Monday is a term that was generated as shopping online became more and more popular. It was determined that most people would do their Christmas shopping online come Monday while they were at work. This was at one time the biggest shopping day online.

People went online to places like Amazon.com and E-Bay to shop for unique and interesting gifts that could be purchased with almost no effort and delivered straight to the gift receivers home. Many companies offered to gift wrap and include a personalized greeting with the gift as an extra incentive. They also offered shipping guarantees to insure delivery by Christmas.

As this became more and more prevalent, delivery companies started offering Christmas day delivery to further entice the consumer. Not to be out done the United States Post Office quickly followed suit.

One thing about shopping online that was especially appealing was the vast array of choices. If you can dream it up and halfway spell it then Google or any of the other search engines can and will find it for you.

So whether you decide to go for the crowds or take a more subtle approach is entirely up to you now. Some people thrive on the frenzy of crowded markets and malls. Believe it or not they actually look forward to it each year. Others prefer to shop from the comfort of their own home and literally let their fingers do the walking.

With all of the different ways you are sure to find the perfect gift that the specail person on your list will love.

New studies show that the second Monday after Thanksgiving is actually the largest online shopping day of the year. E-Bay in accordance with this new study coined the phrase Green Monday to entice shoppers to their website for all of their online shopping needs.

Here are the shopping numbers from 2007:

As you can see E-Bay is correct. Keep in mind if you are shopping online that you have to allow time for delivery so be sure to find out early what the policy is. You can not shop online on Christmas Eve and expect delivery on Christmas Day. If you wait until the last minute then you will just have to brave the throngs of other shoppers who have put off the inevitable as well. You will be taking the chance that the stores are out of your perfect gift.

One thing is for sure, where everyone are around the world, Christmas shopping is a popular sport. Be sure to be prepared for anything as yesterday demonstrates.

This post would not be complete with out some much needed safety tips for your Holiday shopping pleasure.

• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.

• Dress casually and comfortably.

• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.

• Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.

• Always carry your California Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.

• Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.

• Keep cash in your front pocket.

• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.

• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.

• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.

• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.

• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Source: LAPD Crime Prevention Section

Be sure to check out their web site for month by month safety tips that will keep you and your family safe and secure year round.