mine is always that i have to have my shopping done by the fourth thursday in november. (thanksgiving that is) i don't go shopping after that, well maybe for a few odds and ends.
OBP, I did that frantic Christmas Eve shopathon once in my life and it just about planted me. I like to be done about a week before Christmas - with the exception of food gifts of course.
Did you know they even have gift cards at Safeway? That would be a good way to avoid the mall! They have these huge racks with over 250 gift cards...thats a lot for a grocery store to carry, don't you think?