Like many people, the holiday season is my favorite time of year.  I love everything about December…holiday decorations, festive music and the spirit of joy that fills the air. Beyond anything though, I enjoy the act of gift giving. There is something meaningful about the process that goes into giving. It gives one a moment to take a step back, think about those that are important to them and identify the perfect gift that will bring a smile to their faces. What’s better than that feeling?

Finding the perfect gift is no easy task. That’s why I’ve put together a few of my tips for having a successful shopping and gift giving season:

1.     Start Early: Every November I put on holiday music, pour a cup of hot chocolate and grab my red notebook. Then, I sit down and make a list of everyone for whom I’d like to buy.  I give myself a few weeks to think about those people until I come up with the perfect gift for them. Shopping in December is much easier when you have a solid list in place.

2.     Shop Early (in the morning): I dislike crowds…a lot. But, I love malls (a conundrum, I know).  So, when I’m ready to shop I look up the opening hours for my area malls. I make sure I’m the first one there (large coffee in hand) so that I can get what I need, stress-free.

3.     Devise a Plan: I don’t do anything without a well-laid plan in place. Holiday shopping is no different. Before I go shopping, I write down the stores I need to go to, identify the items I’ll get in those stores and also, each store’s location in the mall. This way, I never have to backtrack or do unnecessary loops around a mall.

4.     Have Fun: Remember, holiday gifting is about more than material things. It’s about sharing a special moment with special people.

If you haven’t started shopping yet, don’t worry. You still have time to pull it off, but next year, start in November (trust me)!

Happy Holidays!

-Jamie

I’ve long been a fan of Sex and the City—the show, the movies and the characters. And, ever since I saw “The Catch” episode when Carrie attempts the flying trapeze, I’ve wanted to take a flying trapeze class myself. It seemed exhilarating, and a great way to add a little adventure into my life…without even leaving NYC.

Last month, I finally got up the courage to sign up for a class at the Trapeze School of New York, with the support of a group of friends who I convinced to take the class with me.

As I expected, it was an exhilarating experience. Our instructors taught us how to swing and flip through the air with ease. The only part I found a bit scary was climbing up the ladder onto the plank and jumping off the plank with only a net beneath me. But, as with most things, once I got over the fear and went for it, I felt like I had overcome something and it resulted in a rewarding and memorable experience.  At the end of the class, each of us got to do a catch with one of the instructors, which is by far the coolest part of it all.

If you aren’t afraid of heights, I’d definitely suggest taking a class for yourself.  It’s a fun and different activity to do with friends. And, if you’re like me, it will give you a little taste of adventure without going too far.

Jamie