Shopping During Major Holidays: Best and Worst Times
The holiday season is right around the corner and that means one thing – shopping! As much as we all love to score some great deals on gifts for our loved ones, navigating the crowded malls and online shopping websites can be quite overwhelming. With so many holidays and sales happening throughout the year, it can be hard to keep track of the best and worst times to shop. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you plan your holiday shopping and make the most out of your budget. Read on to find out the best and worst times to shop during major holidays. 
The Best Times to Shop During Major Holidays
1. Black Friday
Black Friday is often considered the biggest shopping day of the year and for good reason. It falls on the day after Thanksgiving and is known for its massive discounts and promotions. This is the perfect time to get your hands on some big-ticket items like electronics, home appliances, and clothing. However, to beat the crowds, make sure to do your research and plan your shopping list in advance.
2. Cyber Monday
If you hate the chaos of Black Friday, then Cyber Monday is the perfect alternative for you. This online shopping extravaganza takes place on the Monday after Thanksgiving and offers unbeatable deals on a wide variety of products. With most retailers offering free shipping and additional discounts, Cyber Monday is a great time to score some amazing deals without even having to leave your house.
3. Christmas
While the days leading up to Christmas may seem like the worst time to shop, it’s actually a great time to save money. Many stores offer last-minute sales and discounts to clear out their holiday stock. Plus, you may even find some great bargains on gift sets, decorations, and holiday items. Just make sure to avoid shopping on Christmas Eve as most stores tend to close early.
4. End of Season Sales
No matter what holiday it is, the end of the season is always a good time to shop. Whether it’s the end of summer, winter, or any other season, retailers often have to make room for new seasonal items and offer huge discounts on the current stock. Keep an eye out for end-of-season sales to save on clothing, accessories, and other seasonal items.
The Worst Times to Shop During Major Holidays
1. Weekends Before Holidays
If you’re someone who loves to procrastinate, then you may be tempted to leave your holiday shopping until the last minute. However, weekends before holidays are typically the busiest time to shop and often lead to long checkout lines and crowded stores. To avoid the chaos, try to get your shopping done a few weeks before the holiday or opt for online shopping instead.
2. Holiday Eves and Weekends
While you may think that shopping on a holiday eve or weekend is the perfect opportunity to score some deals, it’s actually a bad idea. Most stores tend to close early on these days and the remaining ones tend to be extremely busy. Instead, plan your shopping during the weekdays or take advantage of online shopping offers.
3. Last Minute Shopping
We all have that one person on our list who we always leave to the last minute. While it may seem convenient, last minute shopping can often lead to overspending and settling for less than ideal gifts. Try to avoid this by planning your shopping in advance and sticking to a budget.
Conclusion
The holiday season is a wonderful time to spread joy and show your loved ones how much you appreciate them. However, it’s important to shop smartly and make the most out of your holiday budget. By keeping these best and worst times in mind, you can avoid the stress of holiday shopping and enjoy the festive season with your family and friends.
