Where did the time go? It's November. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. That means Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. For the first time in 15 years, it is reported that the internet was listed as the top destination for holiday shopping.

Leaks of anticipated sales for both Black Friday and Cyber Monday can already be found. Many shoppers are already plotting their shopping routes. Making a list of the best deals. Some are even bookmarking them online.

Mobile shopping is set to rise in 2013 as well. It is anticipated that 20% of online sales will be done via a mobile device in 2013. With numbers like these, retailers without a strong online presence and strong e-commerce websites and mobile websites will lag behind.

I started relying on online shopping a long time ago. When our kids were little it was just easier for me to shop online to make sure I got what I wanted without having to drag the kids out and about to this store and that in snow and cold. I got so accustomed to online shopping that holiday shopping for me in a bricks and mortar store is torture. Our teenage daughter begs every year for me to take her Black Friday shopping and I refuse!! I don't see any enjoyment in fighting over things or going in hoping to find what is on my shopping list only to be frustrated. I will venture out late afternoon on Black Friday to see the damage that has been done to my local stores, but not to actually purchase anything. In lieu of shopping on Black Friday I prefer to put up my holiday decorations, listen to holiday music and order in Chinese food for dinner.

What are your plans for holiday shopping this year? Will you venture out on Black Friday or shop on line? Or do you wait for Cyber Monday? If you are a retailer are you expecting higher online or mobile sales? Is your website ready for higher traffic? Have you set up your e-commerce site and integrated it with your inventory management system to ensure product availability? Whatever your plans are, I hope you maintain your sanity and enjoy the holiday season.