No need to fear christmas cheer

Ricardo Padilla / Assistant Photo Editor

Cassandra Jeffery 

Assistant InsideOut Editor

November is finally over and classes have begun to wind down, however the forecast for December doesn’t predict sunny skies and clear horizons. Instead of kicking back and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of school, were forced into the dreadful month of final examinations and the tedious task of Christmas shopping.

Lately, our priorities have consisted of study for up-coming exams and finishing last minutes assignments. Our busy schedules have distracted us from the fact that it’s already December and before we know it, we’ll be scrounging around at the last minute attempting to prepare for the Christmas holidays. How is it possible for students to even begin to think about Christmas when our lives have already seen the epitome of hectic? Aside from our time sensitive lives, students also need to take into account their financial situation, as we probably don’t have a lot of cash to be spending on lavish gifts this Christmas season. In preparation for the Christmas season and to prevent any stress-induced hair loss, here are a few quick Christmas pointers to keep in mind when shopping for gifts this year.

1) During exams, setting aside time for Christmas shopping can be difficult. Questions of prioritizing arise as you’re stepping onto the HSR; should you really be wasting your time shopping or studying for your Communications exam worth 30 percent of your final grade? Regardless, the gifts must be purchased so the best thing to do is just relax. Eventually everyone needs a study break so take a breather and prepare yourself for the fight through crowded malls in search for that one great present—sure, you’re exchanging one stresser for another, but at least Christmas shopping as nothing to do with Marshal McLuhan.

2) Online Shopping. As long as you give yourself enough time before Christmas, online shopping can be a great way to bypass the traffic in malls and if you search for the deals, it can be relatively cheap. Online shopping is easily done from your home, which means you’ll have no problem at all balancing exam and Christmas prep simultaneously.

3) Christmas shopping on a budget.  Christmas is one if the biggest financial burdens of the year. Even if you’re buying only for immediate family and that significant other, the Christmas bill has the potential to reach over 300 hundred dollars before you have time to finish that three dollar cup of candy cane hot chocolate.

To beat the bankruptcy blues this holiday season, try limiting the amount of money alluded to each gift recipient. In preparation, its wise to leave the credit or debit card at home and only bring the amount of cash you wish to spend. That way you’ll know exactly how much you’ve spent and when you’re close to running out of money.

Also, remember that there’s nothing wrong with homemade gifts. Loved ones realize that university is substantially expensive so tap into your creative side this festive season and have some fun while preparing for Christmas. Homemade gifts are incredibly sentimental and meaningful, you don’t need to be Picasso in order to pick up a blank canvas from the dollar store and paint something extraordinary.

4) Keep travel in mind. If you’re a student who has the unfortunate burden of taking a bus or flying home this Christmas season then it’s important to keep gift size in mind. Buying or making gifts that can easily fit into your suitcase is key. Lugging around a large blender or juicer is not going to be an easy task so either keep it light or wait until you’re home.

With exams just around the corner, Christmas preparation is the last thing on our minds. However, following these few simple tips, getting into the Christmas spirit can be a fun and exciting adventure!