Shop Early for Christmas - Why

Pollycat

I usually shop throughout the year for gifts (I have very few people to buy for) but that has been somewhat curtailed this year.

I've still managed to buy some very nice vintage jewellery for my best friend from eBay (instead of antique fairs and antique shops).

Maybe it's time for people to take stock of their Christmas habits and decide that rushing from one house to another to satisfy relatives (there's usually threads on the marriages board from people who feel demands on them is making Christmas a dread instead of something to look forward to) is going to stop.

And decide that instead of buying every food item that is remotely Christmassy and chucking three-quarters of it away before New Year, they'll be sensible and buy what they'll eat.

And Hey!

It might not be the same as meeting people in person, but don't we have some sort of technology that allows contact with friends and family?

I know the OP is just venting but why get het up?

I'm just doing the same as every year and letting the adverts and segments on TV programmes wash over me.

Abbafan1972

DCFC79 said:

Not bought anything yet and if there is another lockdown or I can't get I'm after then so be it, I won't lose sleep over it.

^^This^^
My immediate family (I only ever buy for Hubby, 2 kids and my Parents) understand that if I can't get anything due to shops being closed or if stuff doesn't arrive on time when shopping online, then it's not the end of the world!
Also money is tight, lost my job in April and was out of work for a while (I have got a job now).  I refuse to take on more debts for the sake of a few presents. 

[Deleted User]

I don’t live near a lot of family. I’ve already started buying online and getting it delivered to family members houses, who have agreed to wrap for me and hand out to the various people. Win win. 

DCFC79

Abbafan1972 said:

DCFC79 said:

Not bought anything yet and if there is another lockdown or I can't get I'm after then so be it, I won't lose sleep over it.

^^This^^
My immediate family (I only ever buy for Hubby, 2 kids and my Parents) understand that if I can't get anything due to shops being closed or if stuff doesn't arrive on time when shopping online, then it's not the end of the world!
Also money is tight, lost my job in April and was out of work for a while (I have got a job now).  I refuse to take on more debts for the sake of a few presents. 

I'm trying to reduce my spending as I'm moving house plus other family don't want much or they understand why they may not get much/anything and they are also reducing spending as a new born is due so that's the priority for them.

68ComebackSpecial

I spent yesterday afternoon sorting through all the presents I've bought over the last few months and had piled up in the spare bedroom. They've now all been boxed up, put in the loft and I have lists of exactly what is in each box and who they're for. It looks like I'm 95% done with two months to go! Every item has been bought at a reduced price - either in a sale, on promotional discount or Amazon Prime Day - even the sprog's advent calendar was on special offer. Wrapping paper and crackers have been in the loft since being bought in the January sales. The turkey was ordered the day that Marks and Spencer released their brochure so I could get the first collection slot on Christmas Eve as I like to avoid the mental rush later in the day. None of this is a change over what I've been doing for years - I would rather give it some thought and buy items when I see them rather make last minute panic purchases.

Silvertabby

Present to my friend in Oz was posted 2 weeks ago, and the few (3) presents for UK family will be posted this week.  Just in case.  

Normal Christmas for us is just us two (plus feline madam) so don't expect this to be much different.  

Mrs_Ryan

I’ve already handed over one present to my friend; another friend who I have presents for lives in my street so I can leave it on her doorstep if needs be. Presents for another friend have been bought specifically with the fact they need posting in mind. 

I’m in a support bubble with mum, and I live with OH so no issues with handing over gifts there. 

Gifts for the rest of the family will be left with mum. She can always hand them over stood in the front garden if needs be. I’m going out for Christmas dinner with OH this year. We live in a very low risk area so should be okay. 

[Deleted User]

Mrs_Ryan said:

I’ve already handed over one present to my friend; another friend who I have presents for lives in my street so I can leave it on her doorstep if needs be. Presents for another friend have been bought specifically with the fact they need posting in mind. 

I’m in a support bubble with mum, and I live with OH so no issues with handing over gifts there. 

Gifts for the rest of the family will be left with mum. She can always hand them over stood in the front garden if needs be. I’m going out for Christmas dinner with OH this year. We live in a very low risk area so should be okay. 

Sounds like you have it all planned out. Mine have all been delivered to other family members who have agreed to wrap and pass on for me. Just ringing ahead and leaving on the door step if need be. 

Just a few vouchers to sort and post plus Christmas cards. Well ahead and it’s not November yet!