This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Dunkin’ Donuts®. The opinions and text are all mine.

Yes, holiday shopping. Like it or not it’s here! Malls are already decorated and everywhere you look you have holiday stuff. I personally love it. This time of year I feel like I’m in a constant great mood and I love the hustle and bustle. I know for some it can be stressful, so I wanted to share 5 ways to get ready for holiday shopping so you are organized and NOT stressed out!

5 Ways To Get Ready For Holiday Shopping

Make a list, Check it twice: Yes just like Santa 🙂 I find it so helpful when I head out to buy gifts for people if I have a list. I keep it in my phone and check it constantly. It’s so easy to forget that gift for your niece or maybe that card for grandma. Keeping a running list can really help you. I suggest using Google Keep. What’s great is you can share it with others. So if my husband and I are both out and it’s a gift either of us can pick up we can easily check it off the list so no one is making duplicate stops or purchases. Plus you just feel more organized when there’s a list.

Get Your Caffeine Fix: If you know me at all you know I do not function without coffee. I’m not a soda drinker, nor do I drink red bull. No I need that sweet coffee in my system to feel human. I got some super cute to-go cups recently and they make making coffee at home so much more fun. I also picked up some classic Dunkin Donuts K-Cups from Walmart and y’all why do I always forget how good these are?!

If I make a good cup of coffee to take with me on holiday errands and holiday shopping I think it improves my mood 10x over. I mean holiday traffic is enough to make me crazy, but something about sipping on this delicious coffee while in said traffic doesn’t make it so bad. Bonus points for holiday music on the radio. I also have been enjoying these K-Cups at home when I am relaxing on weekend mornings. They are great to have pre-gym, pre-errands, and pre-holiday craziness. Cute mugs don’t hurt.

Make Time For What Matters: We can so easily get distracted by what we want for Christmas or making sure we find the perfect gift for people who already have everything. But remember holidays are more than just gifts. Make time to see your family and close friends, make time to buy a gift for someone in need. Every year we try to adopt 3-4 people from the Angel Tree and get gifts for them. It really makes you stop and remember that holidays are about so much more.

Don’t Let It Get To You: Like I mentioned before, traffic gets to me. I have a really low tolerance for that, as well as waiting in lines. Just remember that everyone is out doing the same thing. Don’t let it get to you. A big way to combat this is by making enough time. Don’t give yourself 10 minutes for a mall errand that you know will take 30. It will ruin your entire day.

Remember To Smile: As Buddy, the Elf would say “I like smiling, smiling’s my favorite.” Smile at everyone you guys. Sales associates are stressed out, mommas you see with a toddler and a newborn are stressed out, the older man trying to find the perfect gift for his grandkids is stressed. A smile from a stranger can brighten someone’s day more than you know. So remember to smile when you are out. Not only will it make their day better but it will in turn make your day better.

I promise if you follow these steps on 5 ways to get ready for holiday shopping you will truly have the most wonderful time. Embrace the music, embrace the people, and with your caffeine in hand and smile on your face you will enjoy it!

How do you get ready for holiday shopping?

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