Yesterday we were out again but this time I took my walker that has a seat and also a couple of shopping bags we could put items in rather than use a trolley as well. We managed to buy all the things the two youngest great-granddaughters want which was fortunate and a couple of other items for adults in the family. It was so good to be able to sit down for a few minutes every now and again so I was able to spend much more time than the previous day. I was glad too as they had removed their one and only seat to make way for more displays.
I just realised I was so intent on not getting in the way of people and searching for what we wanted that I didn't really see any decorations. I'll have to go back with no shopping to do just to enjoy them in peace. Talk about single minded. It wan't till I got home that it hit me. What a dodo!!!
Several years ago my daughter devised the idea for the adult members of our family to do Secret Santa lists (things we would like for Christmas to a total of $100). She would then (usually with the help of her oldest granddaughter) draw out a list and then a family name and that person would then shop for those items. It is always meant to be a secret so nobody knows who shopped for whom but it's amazing how secrets sometimes leak out. We have completed our two lists for this year so are feeling very virtuous to have all items ready to wrap so early in December.
We all have a grizzle every year saying we don't know what to put on our lists and yet seem able to eventually come up with suggestions. Whether we will keep it up we don't know but to Phil and me it has been a boon as we know what to buy (and often where to buy it) so we don't have to go tramping round the shops, which I can no longer do and he is not a lover of shops at the best of time.
We have been very grateful for this Secret Santa idea and hopefully it may continue for a year or two.
Well that's one major job accomplished. Now...on to the wrapping.
ReplyDeleteHave wrapped as DVDs arrived via JBHiFi and now books and ggd's toys also wrapped. A couple of them were huge but I got them done eventually.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteYes the draw list is a great idea; I am not one for wanting anything and have trouble telling folk not to buy for me. I might suggest this to the family this year! YAM xx
It has worked out very well over past few years. I really don't need anything (except it may cost a few thousands lol).
DeleteIf people really want to buy I always fear of hurting them if I say I need nothing. It can be a Catch 22 situation at times. xx
Secret Santa is a $$ and time saver. We have been doing this as well; such a relief.
ReplyDeleteIt IS a wonderful idea Susan. I am hoping we will keep it up, at least while I am around to enjoy doing it. lol
DeleteWe go a bit further. Adults don't receive gifts at Christmas time. Instead we all donate the amount we would have spent to a charity of our choice. Children continue to get gifts - until they leave school. Another reason for continuing education?
ReplyDeleteAnd I bake cakes. And shortbread. And cheese straws.
If I was a person who baked I'd probably be able to give those items as gifts but I don't any more; haven't done so for years now.
DeleteI like the idea of donating to a charity in place of gifts for adults. I know my daughter has done that in the past with her girls. That gives me food for thought re people overseas.
*Snap* I also forget to look up and see the decorations when I'm concentrating on shopping and always go back another day to take photos.
ReplyDeleteI have only bought a few things so far, I posted gifts to my brother and his wife in Fremantle already, I wanted to be sure they got there before Christmas.
I'm leaving the rest of the purchases until next week, it's only gift cards for most people this year, so that's easier and everybody waits until the after Christmas sales to spend them and get more for their money. I'll buy an actual gift for the youngest grand daughter, she's 9. And I'll be giving baked goods, mince pies and chocolate fudge, cookies for those that like them.
Yes we have started that concept this year to, though I have some extras put aside. xxx Rae
ReplyDeleteIt works out so well for me as I can order DVDs etc online from JBs and if you have the title of books etc it makes it so easy.
DeleteI was fortunate that eldest granddaughter was able to give me hints what to buy for her two girls so that is done and dusted now. Hope you are feeling just a tad better than before Rae. xxx
Dearest Mimsie,
ReplyDeleteI've been a little tardy with my blog reading lately, so do belated Birthday Wishes for your dear Phil count?! :) I do hope so!
I'm sure you would have enjoyed the Bucket List movie - love both those actors.
Count down to the big day now Mimsie, the shops over here are manic. Oh dear and it'll get worse when all the schools break up for the summer break too!
Rose please don't apologise as I have been lagging way behind with my blog reading too.
DeleteYes belated wishes for Phil do count and they will be passed on to him and many thanks.
I am glad I got to the shops pre holiday breakup for schools. I did notice however that the shops are not as busy as I expected them to be so either people have shopped very early or are leaving it till nearer the big day. Not a good idea though.