Christmas is right around the corner and I have yet to get any shopping done. How can I? I've been on the road almost constantly since early this fall. Fortunately, my wife Sharon handles shopping for family and friends—plus always picks something nice out for herself. (I wonder what she got herself this year?) I'm easy to shop for because my perfect gift is just to be home after a long fall of being on the road.
That's not always the case for many NAHC members. You have to get the shopping done, but there are some shortcuts ... and you don't even need Santa's help. If the stress of shopping for your hunting honey is putting a damper on the Christmas season, use one of these tips to bring the jolly back into the season:
1. Ask for a wish list, and ask early. Alright, it may be too late for this one, but give it a shot. Ask the hunter in the family what they would love to have for Christmas, beginning with the most expensive item and ending with the least expensive. Check your budget and order away.
2. Buy a gift card. Who doesn't love a gift card? They're my favorite gifts to receive, and my favorite gift card comes from Cabela's. I can use it to purchase what I want, and even put it toward an expensive item to bring the price down.
3. Snoop around for worn-out equipment. If your hunting honey doesn't drop you any tips, look in the hunting room to see what's worn, ragged or beyond repair. Who couldn't use a new set of gloves, boots, a daypack or even a set of waders?
4. Sign them up for a sportsmen's organization. If they won't give you an idea, buy them a gift membership for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Pheasants Forever, the NRA or Ducks Unlimited. And don't forget about the NAHC—your favorite hunting club! All of these provide a magazine for entertainment, and a good feeling for supporting hunting and wildlife conservation.
5. Simply enjoy the holiday spirit. Even if you can't find a gift, swapping tales and rekindling memories are some of the best presents, so enjoy the limited time with friends and family.
What do you do to reduce stress during the holidays?