Y'know, I haven't even started my xmas shopping yet. Usually by now, I'd have picked up a couple of gifts but as the years go by I get less and less enthusiastic about this time of year.

Don't get me wrong; I'm no Scrooge, nor have I completely forsaken winter. On the contrary, I love watching the snow fall busily, completely unaware of the inconvenience it causes; I can easily become rapt by anything covered in a blanket of glistening frost; and I'm rather fond of how my face prickles with a blush whenever I come from the outside to a nice, warm room.

Indeed, hospitality increases both between friends and strangers. There seem to be an abundance of chatter and gleeful conversations about how cold it is and how cars have to be dug out of driveways. People generally seem…well, jollier.

I think it’s more the pressure surrounding xmas that I don’t enjoy. It seems to be all about the presents and not disappointing folk. But mostly, I think it’s the process of acquiring these gifts.

Even the thought of going into town to do my xmas shopping makes me want to curl up on the couch with a hot cup of coffee and read a good book. I’ve heard stories….about people who have dared venture into the great shopping malls of the town; tight spaces, many people, frayed tempers;…..it does not sound inviting, now does it?

I have been known to do most of my shopping online thus avoiding the crowds and stampedes of manic mobs. Yet this year I seem to have maybe left it too late; that and there seems to be a lack of security when shopping with websites these days, making me and many others more reluctant to do so.

Well, with twelve days left ‘til Christmas, I’d better get my skates on. At least the sales have started early and I can probably save some money but I’m going to have to be strategic when it comes to the times I choose to shop; I work 8.30am to 5pm and our shops in Scotland close at 6pm. Thursdays provide an opportunity, what with ‘late-night shopping’ when the shops are open ‘til 8pm or so. I have noticed that many of the supermarkets and big chain stores are staying open until 10pm or later.

Still, the people know this thus generating more crowds. Hell, maybe there’s still time left to get things delivered if I order through the interwebs!