Black Friday and Cyber Monday are in the rearview mirror.

But what if you haven't done all your holiday shopping? There are plenty of additional sale dates throughout the month of December. Just be aware that this year's supply chain issues, and continued shipping delays, mean it is not a year to wait until the week before Christmas to shop, hoping to snag a deal.

The savings site DealNews.com says:

Cyber Week is a great time for electronics and home and kitchen gadgets, with many things that sold out during Thanksgiving back in stock again. This is a prime time to hunt online for those hardest-to-find items like the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.

Green Monday, December 13th, 2021, is a great time to order from smaller online merchants and local stores.

Free Shipping Day 2021 is Tuesday, December 14, the last day for guaranteed Christmas delivery (at no surcharge) from hundreds of web retailers.

December 15 is not an official sale day, but is traditionally when toy prices start to drop, according to DealNews.com.

December 20 is when prices on winter clothing and jewelry that hasn't sold starts to get slashed.

Christmas Eve

If you are someone who actually enjoys waiting until the last minute, sales usually start a couple of days before Christmas Eve and are a last-ditch attempt to clean out unsold gifts, clothing, and other items.

Incredible deals can be found 48 hours before Christmas. But remember, this years shipping delays and supply chain issues could leave you rummaging through unwanted leftovers.

Why you shouldn't wait much longer

But from the doesn't that stink file is the risk this year of waiting too long to order online.

2021 has seen many shipping delays, and product shortages, and with so many people ordering online, you could suddenly find your item delayed.

After free shipping day in mid December, you are pushing your luck ordering online, unless you are willing to pay a lot more for priority shipping.

You may need to do your late shopping the old-fashioned way, driving to the mall, and hand-delivering your gift. But what's wrong with that?

So shop early, so you don't waste your money.
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The National Retail Federation expects over 158 million Americans to shop this weekend. But waiting in long lines, camping out overnight, and fighting for that great deal might be a thing of the past for Black Friday shoppers.

“I feel like the pandemic has slightly changed this trend,” said Ali Besharat, associate professor at the University of Denver and consumer insights expert.

Like a lot of things, he said holiday shopping has gone online.

“We saw less foot traffic in the retail brick and mortar stores and online shopping actually picked up quite a lot during the pandemic in the past two years or so. And I feel like a lot of consumers nowadays are more comfortable and more reliant on online shopping as opposed to going to brick and mortar stores,” he explained.

Before the pandemic, many customers would line up at stores early to get doorbuster sales and other limited-time deals.

“The ease and convenience of mobile shopping has really allowed shoppers to receive the same type of doorbuster pricing we used to see in stores,” Shelley Kohan, an associate professor in the Fashion Business Management Program at the Fashion Institute of Technology, said.

Kohan has worked in the retail industry for over three decades. She said the shopping season is also longer now.

“Black Friday habits have been changing over the years, including shoppers starting earlier as retailers begin to offer promotions earlier,” she said. “We’ve seen a lot of changes in how consumers are purchasing.”

While changes in shopping behavior started before the pandemic, COVID-19 caused a big shift.

“E-commerce is going to break over $200 billion this year, and one of the primary drivers of e-commerce is mobile purchasing,” Kohan said.

This year, staffing has been a huge challenge for brick and mortar stores.

“The challenge with the retail stores is solving the staffing issue that is currently happening everywhere in the U.S. And at the same time, not knowing how many people are going to show up, in terms of social distancing and a lot of other negative things that go along with Black Friday as a day of shopping. So a lot of stores, maybe, decided to close entirely,” Besharat said.

Whether people buy a new TV or shiny kitchen appliance online or in a store, Kohan says the shopping tradition of the holiday will stick around.

“Shoppers like socialization and the tradition of shopping on Black Friday. Something that was greatly missed last year,” she said.

It can be easy to get swept up in the large number of deals and discounts you see on Black Friday.

However, when it comes to your personal impact on the environment and regarding your own finances, it never makes sense to shop the sales for pieces you don't actually want or need.

To prevent getting swept up in the Black Friday excitement and ending up with a load of unnecessary things that will sit in your closet, take a moment to consider the best approach for you. To help, here's a list of questions to consider asking yourself before you buy anything on Black Friday.

Is this a brand you actually like?

There's a temptation to go rogue when it comes to Black Friday shopping – normally, when we want to buy something we love, we head to our favorite brands or stores because we like their aesthetic, quality and/or fit. For some reason, Black Friday makes us throw a measured approach to the wind, causing us to dive into shops we'd otherwise avoid. Resist the temptation. You will have a far better chance of ending up with a piece you love if you stick to your tried-and-tested brands.

Do you already have this item in your closet?

Be aware of what you are lacking and need to invest in. Do you have something similar in your closet that serves exactly the same function? Do a proper closet clear-out beforehand, make a note of what you're looking for and stick to it to avoid impulse purchases that you will inevitably regret. Look at your closet and bag up anything you haven't worn in the past six months – if something has remained unworn during that time period, it's unlikely you'll bring it out again soon.

Would you buy it if it wasn't on sale?

The more you spend, the more you save? Think again. It is easy to get carried away when you're sale shopping, but items that have been dramatically marked down in price are not a bargain if you're not going to use them. If you wouldn't buy it at full price, then it's not worth spending even half of that. Try to remember that the best deals only really apply to the clothing that you're going to wear often and not to those that will be left hanging in your wardrobe.

Are you going to have to make alterations to it?

If you're yearning for something specific and it doesn't fall into the sale, don't go for the same thing in a different color or – more importantly – a different size.

Do you really love it?

Buying something should make you feel good. There is no point in buying anything if it makes you feel slightly self-conscious or it gives you any cause for concern. Shopping should make you smile.

Are you panic buying?

The Black Friday sales are not the last shopping event ever, so if you don't manage to pick up what you want, sit back and wait for the next opportunity. The January sales are right around the corner and you might have more luck next time. Don't just frantically buy what's in the sale for the sake of it, always wait for the right discounts.

Have you done your research?

Do your research beforehand – most shops will reveal what they plan to do ahead of time, so make sure you know where to find the best deals. This is particularly important if you're in the market for a specific designer piece that is available at numerous outlets. Looking around in advance could save you a huge amount of money.

CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Things are already getting festive in the Streets at SouthGlenn mall in Colorado.

They are kicking off the holiday season with a Christmas parade. And everyone is waiting for the guest of honor. Santa.

“It’s exciting, it’s thrilling, it’s magical. The children are the core of the magic of Christmas,” said Susen Mesco, with American Events and Promotions.

Susen Mesco is donning her Mrs. Claus outfit as she helps Santa at the holiday parade.

She also runs a Santa school and knows that it might be harder to book Santa for your holiday party this year.

“Usually, we do about 60 Santas live. They start in February with their classes,” said Mesco, “In the past couple years, because of travel situations and people not wanting to be in a conference situation, what we’ve found is about the half enrollment of the Claus Clan,”

The labor shortage that’s been impacting the whole country seems to have made its way to the North Pole as well.

“Seasonal labor is traditionally in the same target market where there’s been difficulty hiring,” said Jack Buffington.

He runs the supply chain program at the University of Denver and says it’s not shocking the labor issue is impacting Saint Nick.

“You think about it, it’s like a four-hour seasonal shift, making $20, $30 an hour. I mean, gosh, especially given the fact that most of the people who fit in this category are not supposed to be in public, big crowds, or around unvaccinated people,” said Buffington.

Mesco said a shortage of Santa’s is only part of the problem.

“This year, more people want to have a party,” she said

Demand is up, so if you’re trying to have a party on the weekend in December, you might have an issue finding a Santa. But of course, Mrs. Claus has a solution.

“You can have just as much fun on a Tuesday night. Smores and cookies taste just as good on a Tuesday night as they do on a Saturday. So if people are flexible, Santa’s are going to be able to make it to every one of those parties,” said Mesco.

Just like everything else we’ve been through the last year and a half, a little flexibility goes a long way.

And maybe it shouldn’t be so shocking that there’s a shortage of Santas this year.

“I don’t know why everyone is so surprised. There’s only one Santa Claus,” said one of Santa's elves.

And there’s one night. He should definitely be available.

“Boys and girls, don’t forget that if you’ve been good, no matter what happens, Santa will be there on Christmas Eve,” said Mesco.

CINCINNATI — For local music fans, Jess Lamb and the Factory are a staple of Cincinnati music. Others may remember Lamb from Season 14 of American Idol.

This Thanksgiving, the band will help celebrate with music.

The group teamed up with Arnold’s Bar and Grill, Neltner Small Batch, Otto Printing and Mus-i-col Records to offer hand-crafted limited edition 7-inch vinyl records. The records feature two songs from Jess Lamb and the Factory and the sleeves were hand dipped at Maker’s Mark. They’ll be giving away 150 on opaque red vinyl.

Jess Lamb and the Factory will take the Arnold’s stage Wednesday at 8 p.m. Records will also be available then.

FACEBOOK EVENT: Maker's Mark Presents: Thanksgiving Eve w/ Jess Lamb & the Factory

A limited number of copies pressed on clear, pink and black splatter vinyl will be available at local record stores Shake It Records, Everybody's Records, Plaid Room Records, Torn Light Records and Herzog Records on Black Friday.

The 7-inch record features music from the band’s 2020 album, You Are.

You can watch Jess Lamb and the Factory perform songs from You Are live for WCPO Lounge Acts in the video player above.

Recorded during the lockdown, You Are contains a collection of what Lamb calls “misplaced songs.”

Making music during a pandemic can be a challenge.

“I felt like I needed to be more calm and centered and still,” Lamb said.

Keyboardist and producer Warren Harrison found a silver lining. “Honestly, it’s been a great opportunity to not be distracted by gigs,” he said.

The album’s first single, “Beautiful” has been called a “celebration of personal empowerment.” The track features a collaboration with rapper and activist Siri Imani.

Lamb describes the track as “a bunch of sisters telling each other ‘you are beautiful, you are powerful, you can make it.” Adding, “it’s a mantra for us all.”

Upcoming Jess Lamb and the Factory performances:

Vinyl release:
November 24, 8-11 p.m.
Arnold's Bar and Grill
210 E 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Cincinnati Alchemy Fest:
November 26, 8-8:30 p.m.
Arts' OTA
2141 Central Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45214

Holiday pop-up concert:
December 4, 5:00 p.m.
Findlay Market
1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Get more info about Jess Lamb and the Factory at https://www.jesslamb.com/

If you've been noticing emptier shelves when shopping for Thanksgiving, you're not alone. But you won't have to cancel Thanksgiving.

In the week ending Nov. 7, retailers were running lower on stock of essential Thanksgiving items compared to the same time last year, according to IRI, a market research firm that tracks U.S. retail sales.

During that first week of November, whole bird frozen, fixed-weight turkeys were in stock at a rate of 64% on average across national retailers, IRI found. This time last year, that figure was around 86%. IRI data didn't include seasonal fresh turkey. Last week, many Americans who were buying turkey early were buying frozen birds.

Availability of packaged pie was roughly 68% that week, compared to 78% in 2020. Liquid gravy, with an in-stock rate of 73%, is down about 12 percentage points compared to last year. Cranberry sauce, with 79% availability, is down from 89% in that same period.

IRI uses point-of-sales data and e-commerce transactions to track weekly store stock rates. Retailers typically like to have around a 95% in-stock rate overall, noted Krishnakumar Davey, president of IRI's strategic analytics practice. This year, stores aren't anywhere close to that.

A number of factors are contributing to Thanksgiving staples disappearing from store shelves — including supply chain ruptures and an unexpected spike in demand.

But if you haven't done your shopping yet, don't panic. You may spend more than you'd like and have to make some substitutions.

Supply chains woes and early shoppers

Manufacturers and grocers say supply chain disruptions and high demand, both throughout the year and ahead of the holiday, have contributed to barer shelves.

Ocean Spray, a farmer co-operative that makes cranberry sauce and sells bagged cranberries, said that "consumers may experience some availability issues at times on a variety of cranberry products," because of supply chain issues. The co-op noted that it doesn't expect "significant impacts" on the availability of its products.

And SpartanNash, a food distributor that also owns grocery stores, has been having a hard time stocking a number of Thanksgiving items, said CEO Tony Sarsam. "There's probably ... a half a dozen classic holiday items that'll be tougher to find this year," he noted, including turkey, pie, frozen pie shells, liquid gravy and cranberry sauce.

Sarsam has had problems with other ingredients, including cream cheese, which is popular among home bakers and shows up in a lot of Thanksgiving recipes, he noted, like whipped cream and butterscotch chips.

Flavored chips, such as butterscotch and peanut butter, have been in high demand and have run into supply chain disruptions this year, according to Allison Kleinfelter, a Hershey spokesperson. "There may be some places where shelves run low or run out during the holiday baking season," she said.

Kleinfelter noted that "the production of our chocolate chips (milk, dark and semi-sweet) is strong and tracking with consumer demand."

Cream cheese is another item that has been harder to find ahead of the holiday.

Kraft Heinz has seen "unprecedented demand for Philadelphia Cream Cheese in the past year," said Jenna Thornton, a spokesperson for the company. "We expect to see that trend hold over the holidays and plan to ship roughly 30% more Philadelphia product in November and December," she added.

One thing you should be able to find without a problem: Stuffing. IRI data shows that in-stock rates for stuffing mixes were at 92% in the first week of November, up from 90% in the same period last year.