Christmas shopping
It is that time of the year again when we begin thinking about our loved ones and what we can buy them for Christmas. I have already done most of my Christmas shopping, with two little ones putting in their requests. The seven-year-old asked for crystals, while the three-year-old asked for a necklace. When I enquired as to the colour, I was told ‘a pink one’. I was fortunate to pick up a beautiful rose quartz necklace and bracelet while in Whangarei and crystals too. I was shocked at the price of the latter, having not bought any smaller ones for a number of years. Where once these might have had a price tag of a dollar, now even the smallest ones are selling for three or four. One might be reluctant buying jewellery for a three-year-old, but I have no worries with Kylah. She has worn an emerald necklace for several months now. It is looked after and stays on her neck. She seems to have a fascination with these and has done so for a couple of years. The one she wears is not a cheap imitation, but the real thing, having been bought by her father for her mother when their wedding was postponed due to covid. I know that the necklace I am giving her will be well looked after.
But the person I am having trouble buying for this year is Stephen. As his birthday falls on January the fourth, I usually buy both birthday and Christmas presents at the same time. I thought I had it settled as I knew he wanted a coffee percolator. As he was with me, I decided to let him choose. I was disappointed that the one he wanted was the most basic choice (‘‘I don’t drink that much coffee,’’ he said) and hardly suffices for a present. So, I still have two to buy and he doesn’t want clothes, usually a good option for a second or third present. Last year, one of Stephen’s presents was a selection of remedies for his sore joints. This package included potions and lotions, some shop bought, such as voltaren cream and arnica, and others home-made from local therapists. He still has plenty of these left, but they have been well-used so I am pleased for that. Another year, I scanned many of Stephen’s old family photos and put these into a book for him. Another present was an autobiography of his favourite music artist, and there have been several CDs as well.
I have already received mine. I wanted a new handbag and I wanted to choose it myself. At Thursday’s market, I came across some hemp bags made in Nepal and although a different direction than I would normally buy, I decided on one of these, much smaller than I am used to, but plenty of pockets for everything. Part of me wonders if I should have just gone to Farmers as I usually do and bought the conventional handbag. Time will tell if I have made the right choice.
The other grand children are settled. I also found Willow’s presents in Whangarei and the ones for the Gold Coast lot were taken back by their mother when she returned last month. The adults over there can have money, that way they can buy what they want and I don’t have to worry about expensive postage or the presents getting there in time. I think last year my package only reached the family on Christmas day having arrived in the last post on Christmas eve. That was cutting it too fine for me.
I also still have one daughter-in-law to buy for – again I am wondering what I can give her. I don’t know why I am struggling for ideas this year – perhaps part of it is the type of shop I like to buy from doesn’t exist up here, having closed down a year or so ago.
I have left some options a little too late, such as something like the photo book, but I will just need to wrack my brains a little harder as before we know it, Christmas will be here. Look how fast the year has already gone.