Yes, folks, the holidays are upon us.

After waking up from my turkey coma the day after Thanksgiving, I prepared myself for the season to come. I put on my comfortable walking shoes, light sweater and grabbed my can of pepper spray — but then decided to listen to my better judgment and stay home from shopping.

Years ago, I learned if you place holiday paraphernalia, overfed women and “one day only” sales in one place, the best course of action would be to chop away at your holiday list strategically. Here are a few tips I have compiled over the years to make this season a little less stressful for you.

• Wait to shop until the “off hours” come about. If you are like me and big shopping crowds make you break out in a cold sweat, wait until an hour or so before the malls close to spend, spend, spend. Lines will be smaller, and screaming children will be in bed.

• Have your list ready. A little preparation will save you a lot of headache when you are getting your gifting on. Last year, I managed to get my shopping done in two half-hour increments. And I have 30 cousins on each side of my family. Add to that a plethora of friends I don’t want to offend with a simple card and candy cane, and you have a detailed shopping plan.

• Regifting — (v.) To recycle gifts you have received that you didn’t want. Hey, this isn’t a dirty word. I always seem to receive those “101 Ways to Improve your Life by Reading This Book” books every year. I hate those books. They are all chock full of “meaningful” quotes and little anecdotes to brighten my day. Instead of brightening my day, I get really annoyed at the wasted publishing space. But, I do have friends who collect those clowns by the dozen. If the book isn’t brightening my day, it will be sure to brighten theirs.

• Make a few gifts. Money is tight, I know. I’m a college student and a journalist. Climbing up the social ladder for me is equal to “employee of the month” at some truck stop. So, when the only green you see is the plastic tree in your living room, get creative. Knit a scarf — or three. Bake cookies. Sometimes homemade gifts are better than the sentimental junk you can get from a Hallmark store.

• Shop online. Online shopping can also be a great way to avoid the madness. Be weary of back orders and shipping costs, however.

• Leave the big box stores alone. See what other, smaller stores have to offer this season as well. You’d be surprised at the unique gift opportunities locally owned establishments have, and this presents yet another way to avoid mall chaos. This may cost a bit more, but it would be worth it. Try creating a special gift basket for someone using the flavor of the town.

• And, last but not least — the almighty gift card. What better way to give someone the gift of picking out something they really want? For students, a good buy would be a generalized store like Target or Wal-Mart or a gift certificate to North Grand Mall.