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1.2 START SHOPPING FOR CHRISTMAS IN JANUARY; CUT AND REDUCE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EXPENSES.

Why in the world would you want to shop for Christmas in January. You will not only find wrapping paper and Christmas cards at 50% or more off but many seasonal items such as toys, candles and perfume sets, and gadgets that seem to appear only around Christmas such as salad shooters. If you shop for Christmas all year long, you can spread the expense and the shopping over the entire year.

1.2.1 GIVE AND ASK FOR PRACTICAL AND USEFUL GIFTS

While a few inexpensive silly presents are always nice, why be wasteful? For example, you might give a set of rechargeable batteries with a recharger to a child who has a lot of electronic toys. Make sure you select the correct size of battery and a versatile charger that can accept several different sizes of batteries. The cost of batteries to run a toy can exceed the cost of the toy many times over.

1.2.2 GIVE GIFTS FROM MAIL ORDER CATALOGUES TO DISTANT FRIENDS AND RELATIVES

We think a smart way to give a distant relative the option of returning a sweater for a larger size, is to order from a reputable mail order catalogue. With online shopping this is even easier than it used to be.

Shopping from catalogues allows you to comparison shop easily and to do it from your arm chair or computer screen, and it cuts down time at crowded malls.

1.2.3 AVOID LARGE TICKET PURCHASES AROUND CHRISTMAS

Never buy a large appliance before Christmas. Appliance dealers often have sales in the winter or have regular seasonal sales. Home computers in particular are seasonal items and will cost more before Christmas.

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