β€œThree phrases that sum up Christmas:
Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men, and Batteries not Included”. (English Proverb)

We all know how stressful Christmas shopping can be once in a while and this is exactly why I decided to look at it in a less serious way. However, when collecting information for this latest blog I have come across a couple of interesting facts and funny quotes.

First of all the good news: Researches have found out that shopping has a direct effect on the brain’s pleasure centers. It can flood the brain with dopamine, similar to the way a drug addict experiences a fix. But wait – does this mean that Christmas shopping is a threat to your health? Definitely not. Statistics suggest that on average, it takes five trips to the mall to complete all holiday shopping. That is a lot of walking, carrying bags, and climbing staircases. Not to forget the challenge of finding a parking spot on a crowded parking lot or in a parking garage. Dave Barry, a humor columnist, once said:

“Once again we find ourselves enmeshed in the Holiday Season, that very special time of year when we join with our loved ones in sharing centuries-old traditions such as trying to find a parking space at the mall. We traditionally do this in my family by driving around the parking lot until we see a shopper emerge from the mall, then we follow her, in very much the same spirit as the Three Wise Men, who 2,000 years ago followed a star, week after week, until it led them to a parking space.”

I’m not quite sure if you reward yourself with a Christmas present too but if so you are in good company. Statistics, again, show that the average holiday shopper is spendingΒ  $107.50 on themselves. That sounds a lot but most probably people are spending way more on gifts for their kids and grandkids. Unless you handle it like Bernard Manning: “I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying, toys not included.”

ANd don’t bother about the Christmas tree! Larry Wilde found out: β€œNever worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall”. One problem less to think about.

Happy Christmas Shopping!

PS Oops, I nearly forgot … Mail your packages early so the post office can lose them in time for Christmas.” (Johnny Carson)

For more facts about Christmas just go to:
http://facts.randomhistory.com/holiday-shopping-facts.html