I am so excited because today’s Friday.

I am going to hop in my car, drive the three hours up north to my parents’ house and immediately start my holiday shopping, since I’ve got a whole week of no class or work.

But holiday shopping over break is not only a good idea for me, but for many students in general.

Thanksgiving break is the perfect opportunity to look for gifts for whatever holiday students are celebrating this December. They have a week off school; they don’t have to worry about getting any projects or assignments in (at least at beginning of break).

I understand that some students go back home to work, and may not have as much time to go shopping, but if they do get the chance, I think they should take it.

Because, really, if they don’t start now, when will they?

There are only three more weeks left of the semester after break, and I can almost guarantee that for most students it’s going to be pretty hectic, what with final exams and last-minute projects and assignments.

Not to mention if they’ve got an on-campus job or a registered student organization or volunteer group they are involved in.

Even if they decide to shop online, they need to take into consideration that things do not always arrive on time. In fact, things might arrive late, or even broken, depending on what gift is ordered.

Another advantage of early shopping is the potential for stress relief.

Once it’s done, it’s done. No more worries.

Plus, at the beginning of Thanksgiving break all the way up until Nov. 25, the stores are not going to be as crowded as they will be later.

December is the busiest shopping month of the year. So if students shop during break, they may be able to skip out on long lines.

And in my opinion, it can get pretty annoying if you’re in a hurry and you can’t get through because the crowd in front of you is moving slow. And nobody likes waiting until the last minute, having only one or two items left to buy.

Though one reason I know a lot of people will hesitate to shop early is because they think they are missing out on sales.

While there are a lot of popular sales closer to the holidays, other sales not advertised in magazines get overlooked.

Also, if you decide to buy a gift, keep your receipt. Some stores will allow you to come back when the item you purchased is on sale and they can give you an adjustment.

So, if you’re a student who is going to have time this Thanksgiving break, I would strongly suggest to start your holiday shopping early.

Not only that but have fun with it, too. Find a close friend or family member to go with.

If you can’t find anyone to shop with, it can still be fun by yourself.

Just remember to keep a positive attitude and think to yourself that if you get all your shopping done, you won’t have to worry about it anymore.

December is a pretty crazy month. Just remember that shopping early can be a way to lessen the load just a little bit.

Sam Sottosanto is a junior journalism major and can be reached at 581-7942 or

DENopinions@gmail.com.

Brandi Chastain is famous for taking her shirt off, but not in the way most people would think. Chastain is one of the legends of Team USA Women’s Soccer because in 1999, she converted on Team USA’s final shootout to win the World Cup.

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