Delays, shortages and the holiday season

It's not even Halloween as I write this and advertisers are already reminding us that it is only about 8 weeks until Christmas!  There are already dire predictions in the press of shortages, delays and mailing early to beat the rush. With all the other challenges we are facing right now, here are some things we can do to reduce the stress around holiday giving.

1. Give Experiences. Look for local businesses offering a unique experience and buy a gift certificate. Not only will this be a gift long remembered by the recipient, but it will spread the holiday joy over a longer period. One of the most memorable gifts I ever received was a ride in a hot air balloon on a crisp autumn evening. Other suggestions are spa treatments, theatre tickets or a family photo session.

2. How much stuff does your family need? Consider donating the money you would have spent to a charity that can do wonderful things with your money. Heifer International, for example, will use the money to buy animals which can lift an entire family out of poverty. They will send a card to your giftee telling them that a gift of (chickens, bees, a cow) has been made in their name. 

3. If you must order your gifts on line, have them shipped directly to your recipient. This takes one link out of the delivery chain and they are more likely to arrive on time. Check to see where the item is sourced; items made abroad my be cheaper but they also may get stuck in the delivery pipeline.

4. Buy handmade items from local artists and artisans. Fall is prime time for craft fairs and there are hundreds of your neighbors making wonderful, one of a kind gifts. For example, a handmade, personalized wooden chair for a grandchild will be treasured and passed down to future generations!

5. Shop your local brick and mortar businesses. Make a day of it with some girl friends and stop for hot chocolate and lunch along the way. Your small, local stores make holiday shopping a fun and festive experience and you'll save on gas and parking fees by not going to the regional mall!

6. Whatever you choose to do, shop local! The small businesses you support are supporting your neighbors and the local community, instead of sending their profits to a faceless corporation.