Yesterday was my post carol service 'recovery day'/day devoted to Christmas shopping. In the space of an afternoon I hit Covent Garden, Regent St and Oxford St in an attempt to cross as many people off my list as possible. It was well planned - I'd slept well (this is something of a novelty at the moment), was in a fabulous mood after a lovely weekend and it was a weekday, so the crowds weren't so bad.
In all, I achieved a total of 12 gifts (which leaves me with only
three five six left to acquire) and only one purchase that was entirely for my benefit. (Well, if
Fat Face will reduce lovely skirts by 50%...) I returned home utterly un-stressed and feeling highly organised. I even came up with a scheme to get my presents transported back to the shire without having to carry them on the train...
However, I realise that my technique is something of a contrast to those employed by others. Whilst I was out a friend rang and, although I mentioned that I was Christmas shopping near the start of the call, it wasn't until I nearly lost my signal in M&S that he realised that I was in town. He was doing all his shopping online because the crowds terrify him. (And this is someone who's generally not at work in daylight hours!)
Then there's my Dad's technique of waiting until pretty much the last minute and then panicking when every shop in the city has sold out of
Bendicks Mint Chocolate Collection (the one thing my mother expects to receive every year - we expect them now too, they're yummy). [I should point out that this isn't the only thing he gives her. In the end, he usually comes up with the goods.]
And what about the person whose way of coping with gift buying is simply to head to Waterstones, buy books for one and all and then smugly announce that their Christmas shopping is over a full two weeks before the day itself? I'll admit, this is an excellent technique - though more suited to small present lists and those with literate friends and relatives...
I love shopping and I love giving presents, so I really don't mind this whole process. I'd love to have more money to spend on them and more time in which to do it, or aeons of time and actual crafting talent. (Though I do realise that not everyone appreciates a home made gift, no matter how high quality it is!) Whatever your particular technique is, good luck with it. If you happen to be related to me and are still in the process of present buying, good luck with that too - we want Christmas day to be a fun and joyous day, don't we?!