I personally hate shopping around the holidays and prefer to avoid the crowds and the lines. However, rather than getting the jump on holiday shopping, I prefer to take the opposite route.

Since I only have one child at home, we often wait and celebrate Christmas in January. We wait to shop until the return season is over, then take advantage of the terrific “white sales” that normally take place in January.

Of course we still have the pre-holiday family get togethers, which I must buy for but I often try to buy gifts online or purchase gift certificates for local restaurants, where shopping isn’t such a problem.

As for rude employees. I have a wonderful habit that I’ve employed for quite a few years now. If I have a problem with an employee, I let the management know, post haste. Since I’m so fond of complaining, I also make it a point of praising employees, who go above and beyond the call of duty. I think they deserve to be recognized for a job well done.

It takes a little extra time to go out of your way to vocalize your experience to someone in management but it’s worth the time and effort and can enhanse your future shopping trips.