It’s a funny thing but The older one gets, the quicker we want the christmas bunfights to be over. Years ago, say the middle of the last century, there was no Christmas rush from the middle of August. Families did not put their decorations and exterior lights up in the middle of November, in fact most families would only start thinking about it at the beginning of December and be ready to get the ladder out and the tinsel clad boxes of decs would be in position ready for the arrival of the christmas tree by the middle of December. The same would go for the presents. Some of my pals at school would be allowed to look at whichever mail order catalogue their Mum had at home. They would be asked to make a note of the page and item number of a few items so the hapless parents could buy one of the choices. It was generally one present per child, depending on the budget. of course, thee days many families still try to pretend that Santa clause brings the main prsents as well as the contents of the ever alluring christmas stocking on the end of the bed. This causes problem when children start to chat when back at school and each familie’s different approach becomes a major talking point and the subject of much parental questioning!

How much easier it would be all round if we did not have to go get sucked into the swirl of manic activity. There are some wonderful shopping sites where gifts are available for every occasion, budget and taste. There are all sorts of experience days available too, for that one peron or couple in your life that does not like run of the mill scarves/ties/games/chocolates etc. The way to rid ourselves of the overwhelming sense of panic when november starts and gradually increases to fever pitch by mid december is to make a list of all the people you NEED to buy for, then one for the ones you like to buy for but don’t have to. Next to each name should go an idea, just a hint. Say jumper, or handbag, or something more modestly priced. Once this list is complete, it is much easier to organise shopping expeditions either in person to real shops, or my favourite, online with a comfy chair, note-pad and large coffee by my side!