I do sales after each holiday, and try to be done by fall...this year, we did car emergency kits for all the new teens driving in our family. boring, but when they need it, they will be grateful.
One year everyone got new fire extinguishers...
one year, umbrellas with flashlights built in the handle.
one year emergency radios with winders for when batteries die out.

I do a lot of everyone getting the same thing...

Then I only have to have one good idea a year.

I am not good at organization either, and I don't get into the Christmas mood until December, and, the past few years have been extremely difficult for me. SAD was so bad, I was wishing Christmas didn't exist.

I like malls, but am chronically ill, so I can't get out as often as I would like. I have become the online shopping queen, for most everything. Have you tried a web site called Gifts.com? Its a fun site where you can get gift ideas for all ages. Hope this helps.

you know what? I don't think there is anything wrong with us for not liking to be out this time of year. the driver's are all crazy, and everyone is on too much caffine, or stress...no one seems to be doing anything but feeling stressed about spending too much, or being greedy, or begging for donations for every thing, every where.
I am not being a grinch, but just going to the grocery store was so much overload and hassle yesterday. Geez. I can't even imagine going to a mall.
I shop local, but it sure seems like the world has gone nuts this year...so, SO WHAT! if we don't like this time? I think we are the normal ones! we just are more in touch with ourselves so we acknowlege it!

I hate this time of year. I always have, and I know it goes back to my childhood. I was in therapy for years, and while we went over this, I still struggle with it. I also have depression which I'm being treated for, but this time of year really hits me hard.

I never know what to buy anyone, and I feel so inadequate. I never feel the gifts I give are good enough, and most of the time they arent. LOL It helps to have money enough to REALLY buy what you want to give. I have chronic pain also, and walking in the malls is just about impossible - I make it to one or two stores and then I'm done. I cannot tolerate the pain anymore. The scooters aren't available because they're ALL taken by FAT people -- I'm sorry if I offend anyone - I don't want to do that. But I can't believe every single person who has those scooters cannot walk!! I've seen crippled people have to LEAVE the mall because the scooters are all taken, And there are dozens of them. Sorry, but this infuriates me.

Anyway -- I hate this time of year. :(

When I'm in an intense SAD state I'm introverted, just want to sleep & feel The Holidays are absolutely the worst experiences during this time of year. This feels opposite of all the dramatic consumerism & extroverted expectations. A positive part is that in my family of origin we all put our names in a hat & pick who we will buy for this year. Then everyone e-mails a couple things they want in the price range and the picker buys one. It's actually fun because no one knows who has who until we open them and it's a relief! As for the kids, they are spoiled and it is sweet and exciting to watch them!

Hi there
I know EXACTLY how you feel, and it is not easy, so dont beat yourself up.
People who experience SAD have a real hard time at Christmas, and I know what you mean by feeling agoraphobic, it is very hard to go out shopping when you feel so low and apprehensive about being among other people and crowded places.
Perhaps trying to go early in the morning is an idea, or try and conserve your energy and go late at night, I have tried both.
Shopping online is great for SAD's but there are some things you just cant buy online.
Good luck and I hope you manage to get organised for Christmas, and still have a little energy left for Christmas day.

AngelEyezz