With the festive season fast approaching and gifts to be purchased, I decided it was high time I looked into buying my presents early.

When the kids were much smaller, it seemed that Christmas was so much easier.  Back in the good old days when the brilliant Woolworths were still on the high street, it was wonderful as all I had to do was call in there and pick up all their prezzies in one hit.  Now that the kids are both teenagers, Christmas is a bit of a nightmare and seems to cost far too much money.

It seems that long gone are the days of toys under £5 being sufficient.    This year, top of one of their lists is the 24 Series Box Set – Series 1 to 7 no less.    I thought that was bad enough, then I saw the other one’s list and she has a laptop taking pride of place. Of course, it’s never that simple, it’s not a case of seeing which laptops are on offer, she has given me the precise model and colour.

It would be wonderful if just for Christmas I could turn the clock back and have them as little children again. 

Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Christmas, but it all seems to have got out of hand.

My perfect Christmas would always involve having all the family around my house, with us all sitting round the log fire and singing a few songs while gathered around the piano.

However, the reality of Christmas will soon sink in and some of the family will arrive already drunk, I won’t be able to light the fire as all the Christmas decorations will be draped over the fireplace and the closest we might get the the piano is singing a few songs on Singstar.   Oh my how things have progressed – or not!

My sister’s daughters have already let me have their Christmas lists.  I have always said to both of them that I don’t care what I spend on their presents, but make it easy and let me know exactly what you want.   Having cast a quick glance at their lists, it looks like one of them wants some silver jewellery, the other said could I get her some silver earrings or maybe if I could stretch to it some gemstone jewellery.

I know a lot of people might see their lists as being a bit cheeky, but me I’m more than happy with them.    I know what they want, I know where to get it and if I play my cards right, I don’t even have to leave my house to get it.    Oh the powers of the Internet are great and this year perhaps most of my Christmas shopping can be done without having to leave the house.

There seem to be plenty of bargains around, so for now I need to get back to my shopping.

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