christmas shopping

There seems to be a theme developing here ...

The recent cash flow crisis has been averted, and today we made what is hopefully our last assault on the local mega shopping centre. It's two weeks until Christmas, and the idea of venturing in there again as the madness kicks into high gear fills me with terror.

Which is not to say we've finished the shopping. We're definitely toning it down this year, though. We're aiming to buy the kids' big presents early next week while they're still at school. We know what we're getting them, and where from, and it should be a quick and painless expedition. My five tween and teen nephews are getting gift cards, which has taken a lot of pressure off (and I think they'll appreciate the opportunity to choose something they'd really like, rather than something their aunty thinks is suitable!). And we want to wrap everything, and post the few things that need posting, by Wednesday.

I have given the husband full responsibility for the gifts for his side of the family, as our families do things very differently, and it has caused tension between us in the past. We agreed a few years ago that neither family would buy presents for our siblings and their spouses, and that helped a lot too (a typical exchange between the husband and his brother around this time of year would go something like: "What would you like for Christmas?" "Dunno. What would you like?" "Dunno. How about we just give each other money?" "Ok. How much?" "Dunno." "$50?" "Yep." And they would exchange $50 notes).

And I'm feeling a whole lot calmer about Christmas than I have in years :)