When Should You Start Christmas Shopping?

It’s October already!  Isn’t it amazing how fast a year goes? In a few weeks it will be Halloween and then Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  We all know what comes next, Christmas!  The question is when will you start your Christmas shopping?

If you are like me you may have already made a list of people you are purchasing gifts for.  On that list you will write the things you know they want.  However, are you doing anything with that list?  

Now, I have to admit that Christmas has always been my favorite holiday.  I really enjoy the planning and decorating but most of all I love to buy and wrap presents.  The problem I have is that I am always on such a tight budget that purchasing presents has to be greatly planned.  However, what I do is buy a present or two every time I get paid (or at least that is the plan).  This way by the time Christmas arrives I should be prepared.  

One of my least favorite things to do has always been doing Christmas shopping the week before (or even days before) the holiday.  After doing it a few times I can honestly say that I simply do not have the patience.  Stores become way too crowded and people will literally grab something out of your hands if it’s the last one and they want it badly enough!  This is another reason why I do my shopping early, to avoid the craziness.  

A lot of people choose to do their shopping on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving).  Many stores have great sales that day.  I’ve tried this too and decided it was not for me! I got to the store at 5am and the line was around the block and the store wasn’t even open yet!  

Another option is on line shopping but then you have to pay shipping fees and wait for the item to be delivered.  This does take away the waiting on line part though!  So, what do you do? Do you wait until the last minute? Or have you already begun your shopping?  I started a few weeks ago and already have two items purchased.  When are you going to start Christmas shopping?