Even though Christmas music started playing right after Halloween (a sure sign that we are much too eager these days), it is almost as if the holidays sneaked up on us.

The lights are up, the stockings are hung, and the tree is decorated ... Where are all the presents? If you're like me, you haven't even begun to think of what to get your friends and family.

Something that will look hot wrapped in beautiful paper and tied with a bow placed under the tree. Something that will have the recipient give that little squeal of joy. Something that will have special meaning for the person, without going overboard on your college refund check.

It is a lot a pressure for a college student. And what better a way to buy presents than charge on over to the campus bookstore with Tech Express at your fingertips.

That is my plan. Tech gear for everyone this year (sorry, Mom, I know you wanted that laptop computer this year, but thanks to my lack of funds and excess money on Tech Express, you'll be getting a bumper sticker, and perhaps a Tech sweatshirt if I'm lucky).

Other family members will look stylish with their Tech baseball hats, sweat pants with Tech phrases hovering across the butt and tiny cheerleader outfits dominated with Tech colors. And, even though I rarely see my relatives in south Louisiana, they will be the proud owners of Tech Grandparent gear (all of them, not just Grandma and Grandpa).

Friends may receive the tiny stuffed animals, which are keeping warm with Tech sweaters while sitting on the shelf.

My die-hard sports acquaintances will love me when I get them their very own Bulldog sports chairs. Those who hate the rain will love the red and blue umbrellas I get them. And, those who are just always cold-natured (or cold-blooded!) will be receiving a Tech T-shirt blanket to keep nice and warm.

For once, this will be an easy Christmas, thanks to Tech. Everyone loves university novelty gifts. Even my friends out-of-state at different colleges will enjoy the Tech gear. How often does someone walk around Princeton's campus with a Louisiana Tech T-shirt? Not very often. But, my friend will be top dog over there, and he can just thank me and my Tech Express.

So, if you are in the same boat as me (not necessarily wanting to spend cash on presents that you haven't even thought about yet), don't fight holiday shoppers at the malls or Wal-Mart. And, when I say "fight," I really mean "fight."

Last year, in Bossier City, two women brawled with another woman after she cut line at a Toys "R" Us. The video footage of it from a local news station made ESPN's No. 3 of the Top 10 Plays that weekend.

I highly doubt anything like that would ever happen at the bookstore. That is reason No. 1,598 that I will shop there. Safety -- always a plus during the holidays.

So, you now have the secret to easy holiday shopping -- Tech Express. Whether or not you use it, is up to you. But, do remember this: one-stop shopping is always a plus. And school spirit? Well, that is just hot.

Julie Miller is a junior journalism major from Shreveport and serves as managing editor for The Tech Talk. E-mail comments to Jem028@latech.edu.