Unorthodox

In years gone by, my Christmas shopping list would be a mile long. 6 brothers, 5 sister-in-laws, 16 nieces and nephews, Mama and Dad, plus my friends. Gifts for all of them. Methodical planning and careful selection for each one. But that was back in the day, before I had children, when I was able to buy for everyone and take my sweet time in doing it. These days, my approach to the madness that is, shopping during the festive season, is a tad more unorthodox. 


This year, for the first time, I made no lists. No referencing, no cross checking, no preconceived ideas of what to buy and who to buy it for. Just a number of random purchases, over a handful of trips to the shops. This approach could well catch me out yet. No doubt I have doubled up on pressies for certain people or purchased too many girly style gifts and failed to cater sufficiently for the males (or vice versa) or forgotten someone entirely(?) Of course, this only adds to the energy and excitement of the season. And seeing those bags brimming with treasures, ready to be wrapped... I think I am finally getting EXCITED! 


Browsing, testing, finding and choosing. It's been so much fun selecting bits and pieces from here, there and everywhere (along with the odd present for myself). And the last two days I've shared the experience with my lovely assistant reindeer Felix. While Angus was busily creating and constructing a festive array of pictures, decorations and keepsakes at preschool, we were busily taking on the crowds, in the hope that by next week, we won't need to set a foot amongst the last minute chaos.