โ€œThree phrases that sum up Christmas:
Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Men, and Batteries not Includedโ€. (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 brainโ€™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.”

Iโ€™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 spendingย  $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 donโ€™t bother about the Christmas tree! Larry Wilde found out: โ€œNever worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tallโ€. 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.โ€ (Johnny Carson)

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