The buzz from the all of the Halloween candy has finally worn off, there is a definite chill in the air, and the Santa Claus parade has come and gone yet again. And we all know what that means...Christmas is right around the corner. Time to get shopping!

Now it won't do you any good to avoid this subject. Christmas shopping is just one of those things in life that's as inescapable as breaking a nail. So here are some tips to make your shopping experience a little less stressful. First of all, it is important to make a list (hey, if it's good enough for Santa, it's good enough for you). Put down all of the people that you need to buy for. Friends, family, co-workers, etc. Next to each name write down gift ideas along with possible stores that might have what you are looking for. Also, don't be afraid to ask someone what they would like for Christmas. Believe me, this makes your life a lot easier and it will most likely ensure that your friendship will last, and not end over your buying them another pen and pencil set. Now, take a look at your list and determine an order of priority. For instance, your co workers. Chances are you will be seeing them at the Christmas office party which is usually held somewhere near mid December. That means that you will need to buy those presents first. Family members usually follow (remember whether you like it or not you will be seeing them a lot over Christmas and New Year, so choose wisely) and most people don't get a chance to catch up with their friends somewhere between Christmas and New Year. Are you with me so far? Good. Now you must look at your schedule to see when you will be able to devote some time to do your shopping. We all know that the busiest time to shop is on the weekends especially as the big day draws closer and closer. So there is no better time than the present (no pun intended) to get started. Gone are the days of leaving your shopping to the last minute-that's so 20th century. If the idea of going out to do all of your Christmas shopping still seems too daunting a task, then online shopping could become your new best friend. No waiting in long line ups, no worrying about finding a parking space, no crowded malls or streets and most importantly, no more being stuck behind Mr. or Misses 'slow walker'.

Most big name stores now offer online shopping so now is the time to give them a try.
www.toysrus.ca
www.amazon.ca
www.ebay.ca
www.canadiantire.ca
www.avon.ca
www.sportmart.ca
www.canada.roots.com
www.sears.ca
For safe online shopping tips check out the following web sites.
http://docs.yahoo.com/docs/info/consumertips.html
http://www.bbbonline.org/OnlineShopTips/

All that is left to do, is sit back in your pajamas with a cup of coffee and start shopping. Mind you don't break a nail!