Get ready, get set, shop! Perhaps you are reading this as you wait in line for “Tickle-me-Spongebob” or whatever item is in high demand this year. Perhaps you have waited for hours in front of the locked storefront door, anticipating that you will get your mitts on the last one, and your child or sister or best-friend's step-niece-in-law will have their most desired Christmas wish, in the material category anyway.

If so, keep these small pieces of advice in mind as you rush the store attendants behind the mob of people who also want the same thing. Remember, they will stop at nothing to defeat you. But the best way to handle things is always in a calm and courteous manner... right?

Don't....

1. Don't forget to get a cart, where available....

More than likely you will end up buying more than can easily be carried. Plus, if you don't have a cart in a cart-filled environment, you will be hurt. A cart is the best line of defense against those who will run you over without batting an eye. Keep up or get out of the way to survive.

2. Don't block an aisle.... if you run into Aunt Betsy from Tallahassee and you haven't seen her in 20 years, move to the side away from traffic before conversing and reliving years of lost time. These moments are special, to run into an old acquaintance or family member, or even to run into someone you saw at work two days ago... you need time to catch up. However, the center of a one-way aisle or at the checkout is not a good time. For your own safety...

3. Don't take things out of other people's carts...

Common sense and basic courtesy come into play here, yet signs should be posted within large department stores at these times to reemphasize this point. It is rude. And if you pick the wrong person, it could escalate into a riot. I think that is how the whole thing in Paris started. Someone took some cheese out of someone else's cart.

4. Don't forget a snack...

When shopping, it is important to keep one's energy up. If in a mall, food courts provide sustenance at a reasonable cost. If in a department store, it may be frowned upon, but take some crackers or grapes, only something small that can fit within your purse or in a Ziplock bag in your pocket. Do not bring things that could make a mess on clothing or the store's floor, causing someone to slip and fall. Some food items you should not bring include ravioli or any other pastas, fried egg sandwiches, or anything involving gravy.

No matter what...have fun and don't lose your cool. And remember to pick up an angel from the angel tree while you are there.