Should You Start Holiday Shopping Now? What to Expect for Christmas 2021

The holidays are coming, and you have probably started considering a major concern.

When to Start Christmas Shopping | Fashion Designer Nathon Kong

Photo by Kieran White on Unsplash

How will Covid-19 affect Christmas this year?

Vaccination rates are up and gathering restrictions are down. Hopefully, you've started planning to see friends and family this Christmas that you couldn't last year.

Yet there is some concern about how international shipping delays can affect holiday shopping. What is going on? And how should you start preparing for Christmas in 2021 right now?

Bold Design Neckties in Pink | Fashion Designer Nathon Kong

What should you do for Christmas 2021?

Discover a collection of locally made silk fashion accessories.

What Happened to the Holiday Supply Chain?

One of the problems that has started a lot of delays in shipping right now is that the ports in the United States are all facing backlog. The port of Los Angles, which handles almost half of all imports into the United States, is experiencing record backlog.

For Canada, our major port is Vancouver. It is also experiencing backlog due to the disruption caused by the wildfires earlier this year. Because of the congestion in the U.S., some ships have been rerouted to Vancouver, which is now causing a domino effect that is starting to clog the ports here, too.

Why Are Ports Backlogged? | Fashion Designer Nathon Kong

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The trucking industry that moves stock across the country is also starting to feel pressure now. Due to a shortage of drivers, delivery services are struggling to meet the demands of the amount of stock that needs to move. This problem doesn't only affect international orders, but national and even provincial deliveries.

What You Can do to Get Your Christmas Gifts on Time

While these challenges we are starting to see in the supply chain will certainly have an impact on Christmas shopping, there are a few things you should do now to make sure you are prepared for the holidays.

1. Shop Early

Should You Start Your Christmas Shopping Early | Designer Nathon Kong

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The best way to start preparing yourself for Christmas this year is to do all your Christmas shopping soon. Right now, if possible. You should avoid procrastinating. Ordering what you need sooner makes it more likely you will have it in time for the holidays.

2. Shop Locally

Another way you can ensure you get your gifts in time for Christmas is to shop for gifts that are made locally.

Why You Should Buy Local | Fashion Designer Nathon Kong

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There are many unique shops that make creations right in your neighbourhood. Ordering a gift from a local vendor means the gift doesn't have to go the congested supply chain, and you will probably also find more unique Christmas gift ideas.

Nathon Kong celebrates local artists by incorporating artwork by a person with a mental health difficulty with mulberry silk fashion accessories. The artworks are created by participants at Les Impatients, a local nonprofit organization that supports people with mental health difficulties through therapeutic art classes.

Silk Face Masks in Blue & Pink | Fashion Designer Nathon Kong

Each artwork tells a story

Nathon Kong donates 10% of all proceeds to Les Impatients. Each fashion accessory comes in a unique gift box with a certificate of authenticity detailing the articles edition number and the story of the artist who created it.

Discover a collection of silk fashion accessory gift sets.

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