Saturday Special: Holiday Hubbub

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Perhaps you're one of those folks who Christmas shops all year long. Or maybe you're a serious Black Friday shopper and you spent yesterday making lists and checking them twice.

Maybe you're spending today patronizing local businesses in honor of Small Business Saturday. Or perhaps you're creating lists for Cyber Monday when you can shop from home in your pajamas.

No matter your shopping style, it's the time of year when tracking down gifts becomes a necessity for most of us. And shopping is just the tip of the holiday to-do iceberg.

Fortunately, although the holidays are creeping ever closer (as several of my Facebook friends enjoy pointing out on a regular basis), there's plenty of time to tackle things in an organized fashion. If the mere thought of getting ready for the holidays leaves you in a panic, check out this article by organizing guru Julie Morgenstern, who always manages to make planning seem not just possible, but palatable as well.

Not ready to tackle holiday planning yet? Just below Julie's article on holiday planning is one on organizing your mail.

Whatever you organize today, do it with STYLE. :-)

Friday Freebie: Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday!

Yes, I know I wrote about this on Wednesday, but I did so because I think it's important. Check out this infographic.

Don't feel like going shopping? You can still be a supporter.

• Buy a book from a local author.
• Buy art from a local artisan.
• Order dinner from a local restaurant (not a chain).
• Hire a local contractor.
• Attend a show at a local theatre.
• Browse in an art gallery or antique store.
• Go to the American Express website and find small businesses in your area.
• Create a list of local businesses to visit and patronize in the new year.

Make this Small Business Saturday the start of something good.

Friday Freebie: What I'm Reading in Ten Minutes or Less: Closed for the Holiday

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Okay, so since I posted a day late last week, I thought, given the subject matter, I'd post a day early this week. With apologies to those who must work today, here's a link to a Mental Floss article featuring 20 Stores that Refuse to Open on Thanksgiving (but will be open to share in the madness that is Black Friday).

And, it's not just consumers who have an opinion. Not surprisingly, there's dissension in the retail community as well (PBS: Retailers Take Stand Against Early Black Friday).

Perhaps the answer is just to wait until Saturday -- and what better Saturday than this Saturday, November 29, which is Small Business Saturday? As you polish off your turkey and make your shopping list, keep your local retailers (most of whom are probably closed for Thanksgiving as well) in mind. What better place to find unique gift items that work as both stocking stuffers and the main event?

Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you are among those able to spend this day surrounded by blessings.