How to survive the mall this festive season

It's that time of the year again where stepping into a mall is like stepping into a war zone.

Festive season shoppers aggressively grabbing the last few trolleys, never-ending queues, and your calves aching from hours of walking - welcome to the holidays!

It you haven't done your holiday shopping yet, then these tips may just save your life...

Get there early

Stores will be opening earlier than usual during the festive season, and the best time to avoid the large crowds is to start shopping when the doors open. Many people are in holiday mode, and enjoy sleeping in - which will buy you a few hours of peace at the mall. Alternatively, you can try shopping later in the day, as stores also close quite late in December. But it might mean fewer hours of shopping.

What to take

Because you are likely to spend hours shopping, it's best to ditch the heels and put on some comfortable shoes. You don't want sore feet putting an early end to your shopping - which would mean making a return to the shops another day, and trust us, you don't want to go back! Make sure you eat before leaving the house, and pack an energy bar as well. The last thing you want is to stand in a long line - huge trolley and all  - just to buy one sandwich. And you can forget about eating at your favourite restaurant or fast food chain, they will likely be packed.

What not to take? 

The kids! They will be throwing tantrums, moaning about being tired, and the chances of them disappearing for a heart-attack inducing minute are very high. They will also beg you for every "cool" thing they see! 

Write a list

Make sure you have a list of everything you need to buy before leaving the house. This will save you time and money. It will also help you better plan your trip. Once you have written your list, jot down which stores you need to visit, and then work your way from one end of the mall to the other.

Shop Online

And last but not least, one of your best options to avoid festive season madness is to try to do as much of your shopping online as possible. You can do everything from your Christmas lunch list to presents for family from the comfort of your home. But beware, online scams increase during the festive season. Shop on sites that have a good reputation, be wary of emails and texts with suspicious links, and use loyalty points instead of your credit card where possible. 

Happy shopping!

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