Anyone else feeling a little panicky?

[LucyCharlotteP]

Hi ladies,
I always start my Christmas shopping at the end of August just starting to buy little bits and bobs. This year I did the same but with everything I just so overwhelmed. I went to my local shopping centre today and it was just so busy, I’m sure like everywhere. I have still quite a lot to get and I’m just so stressed. Luckily I’ve just about finished my girls just a few things Im waiting for Black Friday and something to come into stock in Smyths. Does anyone know where do similar pyjamas to primark? I couldn’t see any for my sisters today. Ah sorry for the random thread.

Can't you shop online Lucy? I understand that panic but remember, it's not about stressing yourself out. I tick things off and have certain items that I MUST have "or it's not Christmas" Basic things...like, as long as the kids have X amount of gifts to open and I've got two lovely meals to serve plus a few tins of chocolate and some crackers and a tree...then that's Christmas.

You don't have to get your sisters pyjamas you know....get them something else if you can't find them.

I’m the same despite having most things sorted (for dc anyway). I’m waiting for a few bits during Black Friday.

PJ’s....I like Next for PJ’s but they seem to have lower stock this year, Matalan PJ’s are ok if you want cheaper?

I tried to go into town today but it was crazy, grabbed a few 3 for 2’s in boots and then gave up.

Supermarket pjs are very good.

Yes yes yes! Quite pleased to find someone who feels the same. Can obviously order most things online but stockings etc need a trip to the shops I feel.

I’m in Scotland so not locked down yet but also not supposed to travel out of our area and there’s no good shops in mine.

I’ve ordered lots online but certain things it’s a little tricky. I also love next pjs get my youngest hers from there or white company but waiting for Black Friday. I’m sorting my girls bedrooms out for Christmas today.

My sister just ordered loads of pjs for all the kids in our family from studio lots of character ones that can be personalised for free! Really cheap aswell I think she said some of them were only a fiver a pair!

Not really, haven't started thinking about it tbh. Will probably just sit down one day and order everything online

I went out yesterday and it was extremely busy but I expected it to be worse than it was tbh.

I had a moment of cursing my unprepared-ness but decided to just stick with the basics that would be harder to buy online like Christmas cards, wrapping, socks & underwear and sweets for their stockings.
I bought a few bits of clothes too but then hit a wall with trying to think what to buy and coming up short so I just went home. Decided it would be pointless to buy stuff out of panic because how do you return stuff bought in stores that are now closed, and might be staying that way for longer than thought.
It's just all shit isn't it?

Sounds like you have got nearly everything, don't panic! What kind of style pyjamas are you after?

For those who haven't started, I really think you should! There will be stock and postal delays this year. Post is already much slower than usual and it's only going to get worse as everyone has to switch to online shopping for non essentials. If a lot of people wait until December it will be a nightmare for Royal Mail.

Yes I have been feeling panicky mainly worried about things going out of stock online and postal issues (as pp pointed out). So I’ve cracked on, I’m nearly done now. I did put Dh in charge of ds main present but he’s done sweet FA about it so I’m going to order it as I will stress if it’s not done.

I'm still mithering about whether to get things sent to me or the intended recipients. Will we be able to see them? Would involve an overnight stay. If we don't get things sent we could just wait to swap gifts. Is that what they'll all do? One family is moving soon too but there has been a delay. We usually like to swap gifts in person but it might be a long wait..Arrrgh! So I'm procrastinating and just collecting ideas at the moment. I keep telling myself it's just a few clicks to buy. If it all turns up late, I'm sure I won't be the only one caught out. Hmmm.

Asda are great for christmas pjs although they seem to have lower stock this year and alot of minnie mouse themed stuff. Tesco are also good!

I got my DC some lovely pjs from M&S online, they were about £8 a pair so didn’t break the bank and they’re fantastic quality. Plenty of online shops for something like pyjamas really.

I do most of my shopping online and always have so it isn’t really affecting me much. I’ve bought maybe 80% of the gifts now and the rest I’m waiting for Black Friday.

@user686827 are you recruiting panickers?

Anyone who hasn't started yet, why not take a deep breath and remember that this will be a Christmas like no other, so no one expects gift giving to be the same as usual. I'm sure your loved ones value your good mental health and lack of panicking over any presents. Why not agree to wait until January for the adults for example.

It's 7 weeks until Christmas either way, you'll be grand.

@UniversalTruth absolutely don't worry about adults. But that's hard to explain for children.

Children young enough not to understand the implications of a pandemic (under 10yo for instance) won't mind if you have to buy them jumpers instead of pyjamas though.

I guess I read your post as meaning "get started today or Christmas will be ruined" when actually some people might need to focus on other things right now, so I was trying to reassure that Christmas will be fine, just different.

If your buying style is leaving to Christmas Eve, you might have a problem this year but those people probably aren't reading this board

I did for a short time and have decided that anything from etsy I
Please people when you buy online consider not buying from amazon. There are lots of online options available from small sellers to big companies who do pay tax. Amazon are rubbing their hands with glee now the shops are shut. Online shopping can be ethical.

Woops should have previewed that. Anyway I had a bit of a wobbly moment but nope it's ok and I will buy online as ethically as possible.
And from my local zero waste shop for wrapping paper if they have some. And their vegan banoffee chocolate buttons because they are essential to life.