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Saturday 8 December 2012

I'm a Christmas Shopper, Get Me Out of Here!

'Tis the season of bah humbug, 'twould appear. Always makes me laugh how grumpy people get toward Christmas. Seems to be becoming an annual pain in the proverbial for some - up there with filling in tax returns and spring cleaning. 

But soon Christmas Eve arrives and it's marvellous. Getting together with your mates, having a few beers and a laugh, and collectively hoping you can manage Christmas dinner the next day (yes, you will, you always have done). 

You make it to Christmas Day and, again, it's magical. Gorging on turkey and Quality Street, opening presents with family and seeing the delight / disappointment on their faces at your amazing/awful gift, and laughing at near-the-knuckle innuendos with words like 'giblets' and 'stuffing'. All in a nice warm sitting room. Lovely! 

Then there's Boxing Day for the post-Christmas Day hangover. Not me. I stay fresh. Second day of turkey and on to selection box number two already, and finding ways to pack up my presents for heading back up to bonny Scotland.  

Storm Before the Calm

But before all that, you have to get your presents. Last year I proposed the strategy of buying something practical plus a gift card for a win-win situation. It worked!

This year I'm wondering, what's the best way to do your Christmas shopping? Bit by bit, a big push in the final week or online?

Option A: Here a bit, there a bit

My own personal 'preference'. Wrap up warm and hit the high street, a little each time! 

The pros:

  • I always come back with something nice for myself too
  • I treat myself to lunch or a two-hour coffee break for all my hard graft
  • I can see what I'm buying
  • I get to laugh at other people getting grumpy. Heard several people dropping the F-bomb today!       

The cons:

  • Queues
  • Lots of pushing
  • Having to dodge all kinds of chuggers, brass bands and what not on the main streets, in shop doorways, etc.
Option B: The Massive Push

Some people's preferred option is to do it all in one foul sweep the night before Christmas. I salute them!

The pros:
  • More free time for you
  • Getting it all done in the aforementioned foul swoop!
The cons:
  • Higher stress levels
  • Still have to cope with queues and people pushing
  • Still have to avoid chuggers, brass bands and all other what not on main streets, in shop doorways, etc.

Option C: The Safe Haven of Amazon

Some people opt of the stress-free environment of Amazon and other online stores. Liking those apples!

The pros:
  • Sometimes cheaper
  • Avoids crowds, queues and chuggers, or even crowds of chuggers!
  • Less hassle
The cons
  • Pray the online company delivers on time
  • You don't see what you buy until it arrives
  • You can't laugh at other people getting highly strung over Christmas!
Just a few things to ponder for drawing up your plan of (no) action for Christmas shopping. 

Whichever you choose, though, just enjoy the smile on the recipient's face when they open your present. Resist the urge to say 'I went through hell to get that!'. Who knows? They might have been to hell AND back for yours!