Moreover, many people have opted for catalog shopping to avoid the rush altogether. When you go to the mall, try to park in a well-lit parking lot and make sure people aren't hanging around. If paying with cash, don't pull out a wad of money, and don't become so overburdened with packages that you don't have ready access to your car keys. When you leave your house for vacation, take extra precautions to secure your household. Put your lights on a timer, alert a trusted neighbor to watch your house and cancel your paper delivery.
Kids are happier when they feel their opinions are valued.
Avoid shopping burnout by letting your child help decide what to buy before you leave for the mall and don't go at rush hour. Try to maintain their sleeping and eating schedules as much as possible to ward off crankiness. Remember, buy age-appropriate toys that your kids really want and will use. Widely scattered families often leave people feeling isolated and alone. On average, most Americans gain about five pounds during the holiday season.