My Plan to Avoid the Holiday Shopping Crowds Paid Off!

It's that time of year, Christmas is upon us, and this being the last weekend before the big day, stores were bound to be crowded, and yet you have to brave them to get things done. *Sigh*

Crowds, longer wait times, increased anxiety, and the like aren’t the best thing for Spoonies, but they sure are common this time of year. Knowing this, I had a strategy for my outings today: I knew I was going to meet a friend for lunch, so I chose a place a little off the beaten path in a smaller town but close to a few other stores I could hit after lunch to get my chores done then go home. My strategy to avoid the crowds, I’m happy to say, paid off.

My chosen lunch spot wasn’t too crowded, and while the other stores I stopped in were busy, I didn’t feel panicked or have to wait too long to check out (which is almost shocking at this time of year). I did however, walk into, then immediately out of one store that I just wasn’t willing to deal with, but I managed to get a few last minute gifts as well as a few other bits in a decent amount of time without having a mental or physical health breakdown! This has not historically been the case so I feel like this was a total win!

I was especially stoked on this because (I’m addition to the personal win) now that it’s colder and rain has been intermittent, my Fibromyalgia has been acting up more than usual (sigh), so I was working against a ticking clock- I had plans and things I needed to get done, but a body that wasn’t willing to cooperate and could give-out at any time- which is a tricky road to walk as other Spoonies well know.

If you, like me, find yourself going to extra lengths to avoid crowds, over-stimulation, or situations where you may have to sit/stand/carry things for too long, or make elaborate plans to make sure you can get as much done on your to-do list as possible- especially at this time of year- know you are not alone!

If you, like me, have utilized a strategy to avoid crowds that paid off, share it with us in the comments below!

​Gentle hugs,

​Heather, Fabulous Fibro-Fighter and FSC Founder