Santa Monica Place mall

The new Santa Monica Place, one of the mall's featured in our mall issue. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times / November 16, 2011)

We've got survival strategies for holiday shoppers. Give yourself plenty of time to park and browse. Don't forget to fuel up with garlic noodles or buffalo mozzarella — or steak. Give in to the power of giving unto others. And check out our guide to select Southern California malls.