Have You Started Christmas Shopping Yet?

by BR Tabatha

When is it too early to start thinking about Christmas shopping? When is it too early to start promoting Christmas shopping? Should there be a set date where we, as a collective, can all be allowed to ignore Christmas and anyone caught talking or promoting it has to give five dollars to a charity that gives presents to under-resourced families? 

Now, I know BR Nat would say never is it too early to talk Christmas in any shape or form, for she is the Christmas fairy on top of the tree. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a shrine to Christmas in her house. BR Kellie, on the other hand, has only come around to the joys of Christmas since giving birth to a Christmas-loving daughter, so she wobbles from 'nope, not interested' to throwing tinsel around madly on any given day leading up the event. BR Amelia, as well as our beloved Queenie, seem to take chill pills when it comes to the Christmas season, handling the time with elegance and grace. Me? I am... ambivalent. I enjoy the season, but not too soon. Some days I'm here for all the decorations and carols and cheesy tops, other days I want to yell 'consumerism' and hide under my duvet.

It's not just Christmas itself that sees the crew taking very different paths, our shopping styles differ, too. Some of the crew take a very mature, responsible attitude to shopping, putting away presents throughout the year. Ensuring the gifts are well thought out but purchased whenever a bargain is spotted. Others get to the month of October and start their buying then, taking advantage of the Christmas gift sets that come out, as well as any Labour weekend and 'start of summer' sales. 

Me? I'm a hot Christmas shopping mess. I'm that person you see on Christmas Eve looking harried and huffy. Arms full of bags. The ugly wrapping paper that no one wanted sticking out of said bags, whacking anyone who gets in my manic shopping way. I'm the person who spends twice as much as necessary because there are no specials, and I want to get gifts that will be loved by my friends and families, and therefore much moolah must be handed over. 

I'm the person who swears...Every. Single. Year...that next year will be different. That I'll be more organised. That I will plan. That there will be a list written out in February with the names of the people I buy for noted down, alongside gift ideas, so that when I see the perfect gift on special I buy it. The earlier the better. And...Every...Single...Year I fail myself. I see the 'it's halfway to Christmas' posts on Facebook and think 'nope, too early.' I ignore the Insta posts saying 'six more fortnightly pays til Christmas'. I see the stores setting up Christmas shop in September and tell myself that it's too early, that they're being deluded if they think anyone's going to be doing their Christmas shopping at this time of the year. Turns out the only person I'm deluding is myself... as I find myself once more lumbering around with piles of last minute shopping, ruing my rebellious ways.

So, my beauties... What are your Christmas ways? Are you a last minute shopper? Are you super organised? Have you become a reformed last minute shopper? And if so, tell me how you worked such a Christmas miracle! Sharing is caring, so hit up our poll and get chatting below!