12-15-16 Ways our family is making holiday shopping easier

I have three daughters who are married and have other families of which they are a part now. The holidays can be pretty crazy figuring out who gets and gives presents.

A few years ago we settled on a Secret Santa system. My oldest daughter is in charge (wow, it was so great to hand this over to her). Essentially, using a random system, everyone gets the names of two members of the family. Cost for each present is set at about $15.

Several family members sent out on-line wish lists for the items they wanted. Here’s what I found interesting:  I was able to buy my Secret Santa presents from local businesses without having to deal with the on-line giants, or without heading over to the mainland to save a couple of bucks (of course, the savings are often off-set when ferry fares and gas are taken into account).

It was rewarding dealing with local businesses and knowing I was contributing to the local economy. But, as I mentioned in a previous blog, it’s so much more relaxed shopping in local communities at local businesses, where I frequently know the owners and run into other folks I know while shopping.

If you haven’t completed all of your holiday shopping yet, make it easier on yourself, and stay on the island to finish your shopping. You’ll be much more relaxed, and you’ll do your part to help the local economy.

Ho ho ho..