| "Deck the malls with shoppers pushing" . . . not | | | | to be just right. Instead, go online to the store and |
| exactly your idea of Christmas spirit? The closer the | | | | order the item. In a matter of minutes, it's on the |
| big day comes, the more frantically shoppers rush | | | | way to you in the right color and right size. |
| around. While it's good exercise since you're parking a | | | | Look for specialty stores online that might not even |
| football field distance from the store (and grateful to | | | | have a local store nearby. Ski gear, sporting goods, |
| get any space), dashing from store to store can | | | | monogrammed gifts and computer games can often |
| take up a lot of time. | | | | be purchased at better prices online. You can even |
| With gas prices edging upward, you can easily use up | | | | shop for Christmas decorations online to make your |
| ten dollars' worth of gas to use a five-dollar coupon | | | | home and yard look amazing this holiday season. |
| at the toy store. Do the math. No net savings here - | | | | During the holidays, you'll see free shipping for |
| plus the toy you want might be gone by the time | | | | minimum orders. The shipping is another fantastic |
| you arrive. | | | | feature of online shopping - especially for family and |
| Stomping back to the car you mumble, "There's got | | | | friends in other states. Instead of buying a gift, |
| to be a better way!" Ah ha! There is a better way - | | | | packing it and standing in line for an hour at the post |
| shop online. Start by brewing a hot coffee or | | | | office, the gift you purchase online comes with a |
| chocolate. Put on your jammies and then turn on the | | | | customized greeting card plus wrapping. |
| computer. | | | | Shipping gifts directly from the online store is a huge |
| With the click of a mouse, you're instantly | | | | time saver for you. You can also order fresh fruit, |
| transported inside all of the major discount and | | | | candy, steaks, lobster, cheese and yes, the classic |
| department stores. Once inside the virtual stores, | | | | fruitcake, online with direct shipping. This is a real time |
| you can see the same sale flyer from the local | | | | saver if you're appointed to buy the client gifts for |
| newspaper and purchase most of the same items. | | | | your business. |
| Many stores offer online only special sale items that | | | | Whatever you can find at the mall, you'll find that and |
| you never see in the local store. Part of Christmas | | | | much more online. Just make certain you have a |
| shopping is chasing that elusive item around town. | | | | movie ready - because you'll finish shopping so fast, |
| You know, the top toddler toys for 2007. | | | | you'll need something fun to do with the rest of your |
| Running from store to store can easily take up your | | | | evening! |
| entire Saturday shopping excursion when the gift has | | | | |