Alternatives

Knowing that not everyone is as creative-capable, it's always good to have option. Just because you can't paint, sew or use a hammer does not mean you can't be part of the solution around the holidays.

Freebies: Free stuff is available in mass amounts, the trick is knowing where to find it. Some cities allow curb-side drop for free-stuff, which makes it extremely easy to spot. You can also check your local papers in the classifieds.

Online: There are great websites for buying used items locally, craigslist.ca, usednanaimo.ca even on facebook.com you can shop the market.

Second-hand Shops: Not everyone is big on the idea of using second-hand items, so shop within your comfort zone. I encourage you to expand that area a little bit at a time and you'll find yourself stopping at Value Village before hitting Walmart for those must-need items.

Nobody likes the stress and last-minute panic of box-store shopping. The mania. The mass amounts of people. Who isn't shuddering at the memories of past-holiday shopping? This past-year, I completely by-passed it by shopping in local homes for used items. It gave me more time to enjoy my family and relax.