Blogmas Day 11:Christmas shopping tips!!

I finally started Christmas shopping today and almost completed it....

Check me right out.

I still have my parents to get (pretend you didn't read that mum...I have one thing for you, please dont look in the gnome bag in my room,one of your small things is in it)but beyond that I'm nearly done. 

I've also broken my rule and kinda know what I'm going back in for next Saturday, so fingers crossed all should be well!

If anyone has still got loads to do and is starting to panic...here are my top tips for surviving Christmas shopping with little time to spare. 

1. Just accept that the first few shops you go into will be complete and utter duds - time is short, you will probably need to panic buy and you're not actually sure where to start....that first shop will probably no come through for you...its also possible that the next three or four wont either...and thats totally fine....honest!!

2.  Don't shop for a demographic... I'm quite guilty when I'm pushed for time I go...well he's a guy so he'll like this...she's elderly, that'll work....within less than 5 minutes, I've gone back to that rail or shelf and put whatever item I've picked up back exactly where I found it...I always try to imagine me as the person I'm buying for when I chose presents and if I'm not doing a smiley face in my day dream....I don't buy it for them. 

3. Take half an hour out to regroup - Yes, you have a limited amount of time in which to shop, yes the shops are so busy its taken an eternity already but there reaches a stage in the proceedings where you begin to wilt, you need to pee, you need to refuel and get some form of beverage inside of you......take half an hour, grab a drink, part your bottom on a seat and watch the world go by, return to your list and have a think about where to go next.  Enjoy the stillness for a moment before you set off again.

4. Go home when you hit the wall - hitting the wall is a little different from wilting.  When you get mid way there is always a little bit of reserve left, that last push you know you have in you before your body can't take it anymore.  Once your body reaches that stage, go home.  You've done brilliantly up to this point.
Sure, there are still a few people on the list and a limited amount of time to find something for them, but you've had enough.  Go home, rest and get researching online before you dive into the shops at the next possible available moment.

5.  Most importantly - don't panic.
You've got this. 

I forgot to take a Christmas-y picture today...so theres a picture of me as a Disney emoji instead.....