With Thanksgiving just around the corner, November marks the true beginning of the holiday shopping season.
In my neighborhood, the roads leading to the mall are already packed with cars, and parking lots are constantly full.
Even discount stores like Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Ross—usually the everyday favorites—are overflowing with shoppers.
Despite the gloomy headlines about the AI bubble bursting or instability in the housing market, the crowds at the mall tell a different story. People seem to be spending freely, just like any other year.
This is the time when everyone shops the most.
If you wait too long, your Christmas gifts might not arrive on time—so the early rush is real.
Quietly Entering My “Budget Mode”
As for me, I’ve quietly slipped into my own austerity mode this year.
Ideally, I want to spend only on groceries and essentials, but when those tempting holiday deals pop up… I might end up grabbing something anyway.
Lately, I’ve been using meditation to calm my mind and keep unnecessary desires in check.
Instead of buying things for myself, I want to choose thoughtful gifts to say “thank you” to my kids and the people who’ve helped me throughout the year.
Thinking About What I Actually Want
If I were to list my own wish items,
maybe a pair of UGG slippers, or a record player.
I’m not into collecting little things—I’d rather have items that last and bring real comfort.
I also want to replace my shoe storage, but before that…
I definitely need more space.
So decluttering is my first mission.
This season tends to bring more stuff into the home, so it feels even more important to look carefully at what I really need—and what truly adds value to my life.
