The air is clouded with jolliness, excitement, and frost. Delicious scents and warm fires signify the start of the Christmas season. Despite the wonderful atmosphere, the well-known pressure of preparing for the holidays still bears its weight on many. The period of baking, decorating, and buying appears to be endless. As Christmas approaches, many are found struggling to manage their budget while being unsure of what to get for friends and family members.

      “It’s hard to know what to get my sister because she won’t ever give me ideas of what she wants or needs,” said Bekah Westrich, senior.

      One of the easiest ways to narrow things down is to pay attention to details. Noticing even the smallest of things can show someone that you really care. For example, if there is a scent someone likes, they might appreciate a candle. Someone who does absolutely nothing but watch Netflix all day might like a poster from their favorite TV show. Most are familiar with the well-known saying “It’s the thought that counts.” In most cases, this is true. Some friends and family members care less about the physical gift and more about knowing that you care. Keeping this in mind should allow for peaceful shopping.

      Furthermore, early shopping can ease a ton of pressure. Make a visit or two to the mall without looking for anything in particular. It is easy to stumble across the perfect gift for someone when you’re not looking for a specific item. By finding a few presents ahead of time, you can shorten your list before Christmas rolls around. This is also a great way to manage how much money you’re spending.