The Real Reason You Wait Until the Last Minute to Do Your Christmas
You tell yourself every year it’ll be different. You’ll start early. Beat the crowds. Avoid the chaos.
But here you are again. Sweating over gift lists on December 24th. Fighting for parking spots like it’s the Hunger Games. Wondering why you always do this to yourself.
I get it. I know because this used to be me. Honestly, it still kind of is. Sure, I’ve gotten a little better—I at least start in December now—but I’ve still got work to do.
Procrastinating is a bad habit. It’s a mindset, and it’s time to unpack why we keep doing it if we plan to continue participating in Christmas traditions. And then, I guess I’ll head out and finish my shopping on Christmas Eve again this year.
Table of Contents
The Pressure of Perfectionism
You want every gift to be perfect—thoughtful, unique, and meaningful. The idea of giving something generic feels like failure, so you keep waiting for the “right” inspiration to strike. The problem? That inspiration rarely comes, and you end up panic-buying anyway.
What to do better: Shift your mindset from perfect to good enough. Start jotting down gift ideas throughout the year when someone mentions something they like. Use online tools like Pinterest or wish lists to keep track. Remember, the thought you put into a gift matters more than its perfection.
Procrastination Feels Productive
You tell yourself you’ll get to it later because you work better under pressure. The adrenaline rush of last-minute shopping feels like a burst of productivity, but it’s really just stress in disguise. And let’s be honest—procrastination rarely leads to your best choices.
What to do better: Set deadlines for yourself before the actual deadline. Treat December 10th like it’s Christmas Eve. Break the shopping into smaller tasks, like tackling one person’s gift list each week. This way, you’ll have the satisfaction of getting things done without the chaos.
Shopping Is Overwhelming
Let’s face it: shopping can be a nightmare. Crowded stores, endless options, and the fear of overspending can make you avoid it altogether. So, you push it off, hoping it’ll somehow get easier later. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t.
What to do better: Simplify the process by shopping online or sticking to a budget. Make a list of who you’re buying for and limit the number of stores you’ll visit. Better yet, try themed gifts (e.g., books for everyone or cozy blankets) to narrow down the options and save time.
The Thrill of the Last-Minute Hunt
Some people genuinely enjoy the excitement of the last-minute rush. The thrill of racing through stores, finding deals, and wrapping everything just in time can feel oddly satisfying. But that thrill comes at a cost—stress, limited options, and higher prices.
What to do better: Channel that excitement into something more productive, like finding deals early. Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are great opportunities to score discounts without the panic. Or, set a deadline to finish shopping a week early and use those last-minute days to wrap or relax.
Life Just Gets in the Way
December is hectic. Between work deadlines, social events, and family obligations, gift shopping gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list. By the time you remember, it’s already crunch time.
What to do better: Schedule your shopping like any other important task. Block out a few hours on your calendar specifically for gift shopping. If you’re too busy to hit the stores, embrace online shopping and have everything delivered to your door. Planning ahead can save you from scrambling.
You’re Not Sure What People Want
Sometimes the hardest part of shopping is figuring out what to buy. You wait until the last minute because you’re hoping someone will give you a hint—or that inspiration will magically strike. Well, it won’t.
What to do better: Start asking subtle questions early. Pay attention to what people talk about or what they’ve been needing. For the especially tough-to-buy-for folks, consider experience gifts like tickets to an event or a subscription service. These options are thoughtful and don’t require hours of brainstorming.
You Actually Enjoy the Chaos
For some, the chaos of last-minute shopping is part of the holiday tradition. It feels nostalgic or even exciting to dash through stores, fighting the crowds and grabbing whatever’s left on the shelves.
What to do better: If you genuinely love the rush, try to keep the tradition but reduce the stress. Shop for your big-ticket items early, then save a few smaller, low-pressure gifts for those last-minute trips. That way, you can still enjoy the experience without the anxiety of forgetting someone important.
Theresa Bedford is a lifestyle and relationship writer with a passion for self-development and to live life to the fullest. She writes about relationships, mindfulness, and simple living. Her work has been seen on the AP newswire, MSN, Wealth of Geeks, Media Decision, and more.
