Tips to beat the Christmas rush

The Saturday before Christmas Day is said to be the busiest shopping day of the year in the retail industry. People are generally on holiday now and are doing their last-minute shopping. Shopping for food, clothes, and presents for their loved ones. This is probably the worst time to go anywhere if you want to avoid the Christmas rush. 

Beating the Christmas rush is simple and very much possible. Here are tips on how to do it: 

To-do lists work wonders

By now you have possibly figured out what you will be spending your money on and how to avoid going over budget this Christmas. The next step is to plan yourself out. Making a list or planning your activities will help you stay on the right path and avoid you being stuck in crowded situations. 

Things that could be on your to-do list:

• Buy presents
• Wrap presents
• Spring clean
• Put up decorations
• Create Christmas lunch/dinner menus
• Stock up on Christmas refreshments and desserts 

Make a list of the things you need to buy before going to the mall. Making a list and sticking to it will also prevent you from impulse buying and in turn save you money.

Shop smartly

Shopping until you drop is just not recommended during the festive season. That's a day of family time and relaxation lost. Spending the least possible time and money at the mall during the festive season is what you should be aiming for. 

Since you made a list of things you need you can now iron out where to get them from. Search the catalogues to find the best prices. The best time to shop would be early in the morning before the crowds get in. If you spend the first two hours in the mall you will not only beat the rush but still have the rest of the day to enjoy with your family.

Use online and delivery services

You can also beat the rush this festive season by shopping online. Grocery stores now offer convenient and speedy delivery options. Make use of those. If you are buying gifts online make sure you purchase from a reputable online store. Be sure to check on the delivery details and that the order will reach you at least three days before Christmas. 

Book your dates now

If you plan on going out for lunch or dinner during the festive rush try to make a booking in advance. This will eliminate the time spent waiting for a table. If you are attending special events try to buy your tickets online or at a quieter time instead of waiting in line. Do not forget about those appointments at your hairdresser the day before Christmas. Book them now before others take up their timeslots. If you have a garden service try to book them on the closest possible date to Christmas before they shut down. In that way, your garden will look clean and tidy for the big day. 

Finalise details in advance

To avoid any confusions on the big day, discuss plans with the rest of the family in advance. Where will Christmas Day be spent? What foods will be made? Who will be making these? If you plan on doing a Secret Santa draw it should be done in advance so that everyone can get their presents sorted out early.

Arrange for some help

If you plan on having family stay over or a big family dinner it would be wise to arrange for some help. As much as you want to do everything on your own, this time of the year can become very stressful. If not a domestic, your family members can pitch in. Organise tasks for each person to lighten the load. 

Beating the Christmas rush this year will give you enough time to to do the things that are important to you. Organise yourself and plan ahead to ensure that your timings are right. And if for some reason you find yourself in a rush, keep calm and try to avoid losing your sanity.