It’s getting close that time of year again: festive parties, family get-togethers, the mad rush of shopping … and stress.
Let’s face it, as much as we’d like to enjoy the splendor of the season, it’s usually eclipsed by the frenzy of shopping and budget worries. In fact, most Americans rank holiday shopping as more stressful than traveling or spending time with extended family, according to a survey from e-commerce platform Needle.
Not only that, but the holiday season keeps getting longer every year, which can make shopping and bargain hunting start to feel like a part-time job. There’s a reason why we’re starting to see Christmas decorations around Halloween. More than a third of people start their holiday shopping well before Thanksgiving rolls around, according to a CPC Strategy survey, and retailers are responding to that trend by putting up their displays earlier every year.
But an even longer shopping season means even less time to unwind. So how can you cut back on the hustle and bustle and ensure that the holidays are merry and bright? Before you hit the malls — or your desktop or phone — read on for the top holiday shopping mistakes you should avoid.