* MAKE A LISTof the people that you absolutely “have” to buy gifts for before going on your shopping trip. I have cut down on the number of people that I send physical gifts to at Christmas considerably since my teens and twenties. A lot of friends are satisfied with a card containing a personalized greeting and many of my family prefer a phone call or letter with some printed out photographs. The fewer people on your gift list, the more time to concentrate on the ones you do need to buy for.

* USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OR FEETto the mall or shopping center. This will help you stay relaxed. I don’t drive, but as a pedestrian I am conscious of the numerous people horn-beeping and rushing about frantically in December. Everyone is stressed, panicking, rushed and hurtling about ferociously. Straying calm and wandering around a mall at your leisure can offer a little peace to others as well as keep your own visit stress-free. It is far easier to enjoy yourself if you do not have to worry over parking and traffic jams.

* START EARLYso that you have plenty of time to take a brief look around the stores before deciding on anything definite to purchase – otherwise you might miss a discount at one store that would save you $5 or more. You will also beat the crowds in most cases as well as feeling less rushed.

* ENJOY YOURSELF! Plan a break at your favorite coffee shop or lunch out at the sushi bar. Try to allow a good half hour rest either in the middle or at the end of your trip. Shopping is supposed to be fun, and taking a relaxed meal or drink break can calm you down if you have been getting flustered and give you a breather if you are getting tired.

* NO TIME LEFT? NOT ENOUGH MONEY? Don’t worry! Just spend a little extra time on creating a special Christmas card at home afterwards. Printing your own design on the computer shows that you took the time to care – you can include a photograph or two inside, us ea fancy font, add some clip art – a little artistic imagination can make an ordinary card into something special. Your friends and family are not going to want to drain your wallet or stress you out – and many will appreciate a personally designed card more than a commercial gift. Just make sure you include the word LOVE on your card – and they will get the gift they want.