Christmas shopping

The other day I posed (what I thought was) an important question to my Canadian boyfriend: When do Canadians start decorating and shopping for the holidays if they don't have Thanksgiving as a benchmark?

(Quick historical background: Canadians do have Thanksgiving, but it's in October for some reason, far too early to serve as a threshold for the holiday season.)

His answer was woefully unsatisfying (it amounted to a confused head shake and a doubtful "December first?"), but I guess that's not entirely his fault. Even here in the good ol' US of A we've thrown that whole "holiday decorations up after Thanksgiving" tradition out the window. These days there are wreaths on doors by early November and stores are already chock full of cool gift sets like these.

What do you think, are we jumping the gun on the holiday season or do you welcome the ever-earlier return of decorations, carols and gingerbread smells wafting in the air?

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The pumpkins and candy corn have been tossed, and now its time to move on to more pressing matters: holiday shopping. Sure, you could wait until after Thanksgiving and battle the crush of people at the mall … OR … you could check out these tips to easier, stress-free shopping.

I don't know about you, but I would love a holiday season that doesn't involve me frantically buying (and paying way to much for) lame scarves or snow globes or whatever's left a few days before Christmas. This year I'm pledging to shop early, shop smart and not shop often (well, we'll see about this last one, despite the crowds I do enjoy a nicely decorated mall around this time of year). Check out a few of my favorite smart-shopping tips below, here's to making this holiday season the most relaxing ever!

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<img alt="" src="http://a323.yahoofs.com/phugc/2Ek9IwfowRW4/photos/b9e1f5316b291143864f53bf01c7a020/ori_ddce813dd9ebad.jpg?ug_____DPVG0tXff" align="left" height="300" width="300">If the inspiration for a great gift has not yet struck, the chances of it doing so before Dec. 25 are as slim as those of a lightning bolt to your head. To make matters worse, I was doing some last-minute shopping yesterday and noticed that at many stores, today or tomorrow is the last day you can buy and still have the goods show up pre-Dec. 25. <br><br>With that in mind, and as a service to those who&#39;ve waited <em>almost</em> too long, we present you with some not-a-moment-too-soon gift inspiration -- just make sure you check the shipping details if you decide to purchase! <br><br>Check out these best-of-the bunch <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esquire.com/the-side/holiday-gift-advice-2008/kid-gift-ideas-2008?link=emb&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=esq">gifts for your kids</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esquire.com/the-side/holiday-gift-advice-2008/geek-gifts-2008">gifts for technology geeks</a>, <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/holiday-ideas/super-stocking-stuffers?link=emb&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=ghk">stocking stuffers under $20</a>, and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/holidays/homemade-food-gift-ideas?link=emb&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=ghk">pretty homemade food gifts</a> for your neighbors, friends and extended family. <br><br>For even more ideas, we recommend: <br><ul> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esquire.com/the-side/holiday-gift-advice-2008/gifts-for-fathers-2008?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=esq">Gifts for Dads and Husbands</a></li> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.esquire.com/the-side/holiday-gift-advice-2008/gift-ideas-for-men-2008?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=esq">Gifts for Single Guys &amp; Boyfriends</a></li> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cosmopolitan.com/you/advice/gift-for-boss?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=cos">Gifts for Your Boss</a></li> <li style="font-family:inherit;"><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.marieclaire.com/hair/shopping/products/inexpensive-christmas-gifts?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=mar"><span>Gifts for Your Friends or Sister</span></a></li> <li><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.marieclaire.com/hair/shopping/products/books-christmas-gifts-books?link=rel&dom=yah_life&src=syn&con=blog_holidayguru&mag=mar">Books for Everyone On Your List</a></li> </ul> Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Read More »