Today — Veteran's Day — used to signify the start of the holiday shopping season for me. And, yes...I'm well aware that some people are "done" already. I was at Toys-R-Us this week, buying birthday gifts for the parties my daughters were invited to, and I overheard two women in front of us talking about being almost "done" with their holiday shopping.

I'm making a conscious decision NOT to shop until December this year. Yep...I have ever intention of being a last-minute shopper. Here's why:

1. It shortens the stress-filled shopping season. Start now..and you've got weeks of stressing out about what to get for so-and-so and if what you finally bought for so-and-so was the right thing or if you should return it, blah, blah, blah.

2. You get better prices. We're all conditioned to think that the early bird gets the worm, but it's been my experience that waiting until the last minute gets you better deals on the things you want. EVERY year that I shop early, I watch as the very items I bought drop lower and lower in price as the holiday gets closer.

3. I thrive under pressure. I'm not sure why I didn't realize this before now, but...I enjoy the challenge of an approaching deadline and I truly thrive when I've got a deadline looming and adrenaline is flowing. I think more clearly, I act more decisively and I don't second-guess myself.

4. Crowds -- and competition -- energizes me. I'm not one of those people who hates holiday shopping crowds (though I do despise grumpy, pushy holiday shoppers). I like being around people and crowds -- it adds excitement to the task. And, if there's an element of competition, even better.

5. I need to be in the mood. I used to love shopping at any time for any reason, now...I really have to be in the mood. I'm not feeling it until after Thanksgiving, so I'm not going to fake it anymore.

6. My kids can't find the stash when there isn't one. If "santa" hasn't been shopping, the girls can't find the mountain of presents and then trip me up with the whole "Is Santa real?" thing.

7. I'm earning more interest on my money. The longer I keep my money in the bank, the more interest I earn.

8. The longer I wait, the less money I spend. When I was "done" shopping in November, I would, undoubtedly, get caught up in the spirit of the season and start picking up extra things for people. When you wait till the last minute, there's no time to go over-budget.