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Four Musts When Christmas Shopping

For many die-hard shoppers in the world, walking aisle after aisle of consumables and trolling away and entire day for the perfect gift is a heaven sent way to spend the Holiday shopping season. Christmas shopping can even become an event where Santa photos, lunch, dinner, cocktails and even movies can be mixed in.

Before you begin tackling your excruciatingly protracted Christmas list, keep in mind that countless others are in the same predicament you are: lots of items and very little time. An enjoyable shopping experience can deteriorate quickly when the wrong attitude bumps up against a massive amount of people. This is the prime time to remember that decorum and manners are important. If you are going to enjoy yourself and most importantly, the people you are around and come into contact with are will enjoy being around you, keep the following in mind.

1) You are in a public space.
You aren't at home. You have opted to not order items online. You are out in the world among many fellow human beings. Sure, you have an agenda. Yes, time is of the utmost. But look up. Look around. Everyone in this public space. Be sure to make allowances for those whose space you are sharing.

2). Monitor your volume.
Language, cell phone use and conversations with those around you (think your children), is of the utmost importance when you are walking through a mall or wondering around a store. It’s important to consider what you are saying and how you say it. You are in close proximity to lots of other people. Are you talking on your phone and not paying attention to where you are walking or how your arms are flying all over the place? Are you keeping track of your children or are you yelling in their general direction to slow down or not go on the escalator without you? Also, television and movies may have duped you into believing that swearing in public is common and acceptable. In all honesty dropping an f-bomb to your sales person or someone you are lunching with in a crowded restaurant is rude. Language and yelling shows such a lack of class, it’s embarrassing to even share space with that person.

3) Your cell phone is for your convenience, not everyone else's irritation
Cell phones continue to be the number one annoyance among the general population. Yes, it’s important to get the correct size and color for your cute niece and nephew but does everyone in the children’s department need to know you think something is way too overpriced and you wouldn’t dress your dog in it? Again, this is not your space. Are you texting while you are waiting in line and when it's your turn to have your purchase rung up, are you fumbling for your credit card or app that's on your phone? You are sharing air and space with everyone around you. Keep your conversations short, too the point, un-encumbered and free from foul language and negative opinions.

4) Kids are small and they hate to shop.
Keep your children either contained or entertained. Considering they really hate to shop anyway, send them and a grown up to a play area or to get something to eat. This way you aren’t forced to drag their tired little bodies around while your fellow patrons are forced to hear how tired, hungry or generally cranky your children (and you) are becoming.

For many we’ve mastered the art of the internet shopping and gift cards. For those who still love the opportunity to get out in the public area and really shop till you drop, there ways to successfully accomplish your goal. If shopping is looming large on your horizon, keep the general rules of etiquette in mind. You’ll have a better experience and those around you are more likely to enjoy their time too.

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Content copyright © 2013 by Lisa Plancich. All rights reserved.
This content was written by Lisa Plancich. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Lisa Plancich for details.



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