Stunned and amazed by painless christmas shopping trip

[OrmIrian]

I hate shopping. I really do. I especially hate it when it's christmas and the spirit of christmas goodwill has leached out of everyone by the first week in November. And I avoid it by doing 90% of it online and picking up a few special presents throughout the year. But I couldn't find anything for my mum this year. No inspiration at all. Took DS#2 and DD to a craft fair at out wildlife HQ on Saturday but it was either a bit cr*p or lovely but wildly expensive. So yesterday I braved the horror that is town on the first weekend in Christmas....and it was heaven! No-one there because it was wet. I got a parking space with no hassle on the road side - no queues, no cost. No crowds and as I had no DCs with me I could look round the nice craft/gift shops without waiting in terror to hear the smash of expensive glass behind me! I got my mums' present and some bits for the family's stockings from Hawkins bazaar and few things from Woolies. I am still reeling in shock. I expected to have to be revived with sweet tea and mince pies when I got home

And, let job be unconfined! I have finished all my christmas shopping!!! La la la la ....

Show off.

You obviously don't shop at Meadowhall (aka Murderhall, Meadowhell).

I used to LUUUURRRVE shopping at christmas in Cambridge & Bury St Edmunds, but Meadowhall on Saturday was a furious shop-a-thon for about 1 million people at a time. Fortunately I have done my shopping online this year, and was only going to the cinema with DD2, so I didn't need to join the throng, but OMG!

Gawd no! I hate those biiig shopping mall sort of places. Went to Bluewater with DH last summer and wanted to curl up in a corner and cry! When did shopping become a leisure pursuit? I was in Taunton which isn't the greatest shopping centre in the world but good enough for me yesterday.

And yes, I am showing off. Now I will take one more trip there with the DCs to buy something lovely and unimportant like crackers or more tree decorations, have some tea and cake somewhere and look at the lights

I still have bits to get for my son, but must also show off because I am also very nearly done, and with minimum effort (hurrah)

Got stuff for god daughters, cousins, sister, mum, & dad online and it's all arrived.

Got remaining bits in a relaxed fashion in Brighton at the weekend - was really festive, there were street vendors selling mulled wine and carol singers, and not stressful at all (I will never shop on Oxford St again if I can help it!)

p.s. HMV sale is fab, by the way! Got a bundle of Christmas DVDs for £3 each and some great deals on CDs, too.