Christmas shopping is something we all vow to tackle early but almost invariably leave to the last minute.
If you shop early however, you will be able to plan your buying, compile shopping lists and stick to them.
You can set a budget for each purc
hase and with ample time at your fingertips, you can afford to shop around. Indeed with careful shopping, you might even manage to save a few pounds here and there.
And if things aren't quite right when you get them home, you'll be able to take the
offending articles back to the shop with every expectation of a substitute being supplied or another item being ordered in time for a comfortable pre-Christmas delivery.
If in the past you've left things to the last minute, do things differently this year. Do yourself a favour, shop early for the best Selection and the energy you'll need to really enjoy Christmas when it comes.
Encourage children to compile a realistic present list that's not full of £100 trainers and expensive computer games.
Make sure they realise it's about giving as well as receiving, and they have a list of presents they need to give.
Follow the rule with decorations – less is more effective.
Use what is in the garden. Spray and arrange ivy, mistletoe, twigs and pine cones.
Don't forget to look in the January sales for discounted decorations and cards for next year!
And finally...it's not compulsory to spend a fortune.
Christmas is really about time with family and friends!
