It's Time To Think About Christmas Gifts: Be A Good Scout

The holiday season comes and goes so quickly that it is easy to
be caught off guard. Think like a Boy Scout & "Be Prepared" this
year. 

All too often we find ourselves unprepared for Christmas Day
when we have known all along that it is where it always is,
neatly nestled between Thanksgiving and New Years, during the
last week of December. It always seems though, that we forget
someone or something until the last minute and end up rushing
around with all of the other crazy busy people on Christmas Eve. 

There is an easy way to avoid this though. Account for the
possibilities. What are you likely to forget? Who are you likely
to leave out? Here are a few things you should keep on hand
during the holiday season, whether in your car, the fridge or
cupboard. 

While you are doing your Christmas gift shopping, pick up a
bunch of little things to have around as take-away or
hospitality gifts. It could be anything from candy, to small
trinkets or ornaments, or a box of candy. It's inevitable: an
unexpected person will show up, and it's best not to be caught
empty-handed. 

Keep the refrigerator stocked with small dessert items or snack
trays. This is good for when you are doing your holiday
visiting. This way you can bring something with you to each
place that you visit during your Christmas week. Stuff like
apple pie or 'veggie' platters are great, because they can be
used pretty much anywhere that there's a gathering of people. 

Stash a couple bottles of wine in your car (unopened of course).
You could even save a few bucks by buying a case or two at once.
Some retailers will even offer a discount for a mixed case of
different brands or types. Keep the wine in your trunk in case
of last minute visiting hours. That way you are not running
around like a nut at the last minute trying to find a liquor
store that's open. 

Don't buy individual Christmas cards for each of your
co-workers. Buy a big box of cards at once and keep them in your
car or briefcase. When you're dealing with a large amount of
people such as at the office, it's easy to forget someone. Keep
cards handy so you can correct any oversights before it seems
like a slight. 

Be a good Scout, stay prepared, and your holiday season will run
more smoothly this year. 

Mike Nalbone is the webmaster at
http://www.ChristmasGiftOfTheMonth.com which offers unique,
memorable Christmas gift ideas for everyone on your list.