A guide to enjoy Boxing Day shopping

Another Christmas is now behind us. With all of the presents handed out, you may want to snag something just for yourself.

Boxing Day shopping is here but what's your game plan?

I like to approach shopping - especially on Boxing Day - with a level of preparedness. Here are some ways to hit the malls and still come away happy without losing your mind. 

What's in your wallet?
I learned from financial planning expert, Doris Belland, that it's really important to know our spending habits and be familiar with how much we're walking around with in our wallets. Even if its a virtual one. Christmas is an expensive time of year so don't spend more on Boxing Day unless you know you can.  

Dress code in effect
As I've gotten older I've learned that its super important to factor in your dress code when walking the porcelain tiles and heated halls of the mall. Only wear a lightweight coat or sweater since they'll just get you hotter than you need to be, comfortable sneakers and leave the hat and gloves in the car because its one less thing to carry or lose.

Park at the end of the lot
I'm a big fan of parking far away from the mall's entrance. It's good for many reasons: you won't be fighting anyone for the spot, gives you a little more time in fresh air and pulling out of your space to drive away is less busy and just easier.
 
Don't weigh me down
Wear a crossbody bag or stylish fanny pack. You want to be handsfree especially if you're walking into the mall with a lot of returns or coming out with a big score.

Snack attack
Whether I'm in the car doing errands or on transit heading into town for a shopping trip I always pack a snack. The ones I favour are: nuts, a banana or Sesame Snaps because they're easy to eat on the go and tide my hunger over. 

Pack your patience
 
Have fun with it
The term 'hit the ground running' might be okay for race time, but you've already been going full steam ahead to prepare for Christmas and the holidays for weeks. Treat Boxing Day as a pleasure and not as a challenge. Walk slowly. Really take-in the sparkly decorations that the mall designers worked hard to create for all of us. Stop when you need to and take a break. 

Enjoy the day. And good luck.

​
Janet Fanaki is the creator of RESILIENT PEOPLE, a podcast and website which features conversations with regular but EXTRAordinary people around the world admired for their resilience. She lives in Toronto.