Secrets to Successful Holiday Shopping

1. Don't wait until Christmas Eve to head to the mall. Same goes with Black Friday.

2. Don't bring people that hate shopping, especially when its the kind of shopping where you have no ideas for people, so you just wander aimlessly from store to store, hoping that ideas will come to you. I love this kind of shopping (as long as you having broken Rule #1) but I live with someone who does not.

3. Take breaks whenever you feel the need. I know that we all look down on those people that sit in the mall lounge/lazy people display, but this should not deter you. Those seats are comfortable.

4. Use this time to multi-task and catch up with a friend over the phone. Sure, its not as good as actually shopping with a friend, but the plus side is that you can shop for that friend too, and they will never know. All the while, they will keep you entertained and provide ideas for the others on your shopping list. It's what I like to call a Win-Win-Win situation.

5. Eat while shopping if you get hungry. And don't feel cornered into the traditional mall food- pretzels, Cinnabon, etc. I can attest that it is possible to push a cart through the Target while eating a chicken salad sandwich. The girl at the food kiosk promised me that it would be the tastiest thing I have even eaten, that it would be "magical". She was not far off. I do not believe that Target knows the wisdom that they possess.