The gifts change. The cousins get older. But there are three constants when it comes to the Andresen family Christmas: Dad inevitably feels that he did not get enough gifts. We all eat way too much roast beef, spinach dip and shrimp cocktail. And I go shopping on Dec. 26.

I have had many years to hone my post-Noel shopping skills, and I have to say, it doesn’t pay to get up early. The sequined top will still be there, on sale, in your size. There are only so many people who simply must have a George Foreman Grill, so if you’re one of them, you don’t need to worry. And that cashmere sweater you bought for $75 on Dec. 24? It now costs $30. What a difference a day makes.

A lot of the post-Christmas sales are just hype, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a true bargain during the holi-daze.

Unless you’re planning to boycott consumerism between now and next December (and if you are, you probably shouldn’t be reading this column), you’re probably going to buy gifts for Christmas again, and the days right after Christmas are the perfect days to stock up on essentials.

Wrapping paper doesn’t go out of style, and if you buy the plain white variety, you can use it all year round. And you’ll get at least 50 percent off the pre-Christmas price. Ditto on decorations (I’m partial to the sleigh-bell wreaths by Martha Stewart at Kmart), ornaments (which hardly vary from year to year), and bows.

If you like to give home-baked gifts throughout the year, now is the time to buy tins – silver, gold and plain colors always work. And did you really want to pay full price for holiday-themed decorating kits, snowman-shaped baking pans, and serving trays decked with boughs of holly in the first place?

I didn’t think so. The beauty of Christmas is that it stays the same every year. Santa Claus is not going to be passe next season. Evergreens are, well, evergreen. They’re not going to add another reindeer to the crew

any time soon. So why wouldn’t you wait to buy the things you want at half (or even a quarter) of the full price? Patience pays.

Holiday items are an obvious sale item, but there are other, hidden buys to be had. Eveningwear, especially fancy, sparkly tops and dressy satin pants, tends to go on sale after Christmas, which helps if you have New Year’s Eve plans. It’s always best to wait to buy clothing until after the holiday, because the prices are drastically reduced, meaning you can get more for your money.

Electronics and video games usually get marked down significantly after the holidays, so if you’re planning to buy a DVD player or a new subwoofer, now is the time. Check the circulars to comparison shop – it will save you money, time and sanity.

Some promotional holiday gift sets have lasting appeal, including those ubiquitous makeup kits that have 90 different shades of eye shadow, 45 lip glosses and more nail polish than your local salon. Coffee mugs, pasta sauces, teas and candy also are likely candidates. A red and green plaid bow may make a box of chocolates cost less, but it won’t change the taste a bit.

Is it worth braving the crowds at the mall between now and New Year’s Eve? Absolutely. I’ll be there. Trying to get a jump-start on Dad’s wish list for next year. Like I said, some things never change.

Reader question

Dear ShopGirl,

Now that Woolworth’s and Main Street cobblers have vanished, where does one go to buy shoelaces?

Specifically, I need a pair 42 or 43 inches long, black, and round like spaghetti.

Any help you can give would be much appreciated.

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

Winterport Boot Shop in Brewer (989-6492) is the place to go. The man with whom I spoke said 42- to 43-inch laces are pretty rare and that you may have a pair of 40-inch laces that stretched out with wear. Winterport Boot Shop sells laces in 40- and 45-inch lengths that fit the description you gave me. They cost between $1 and $2.

I hope this helps!

ShopGirl would love to hear from you. Send questions, comments or concerns by mail to: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329, or by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net.