Last Minute Christmas Shopping in Dublin
I really wish I was one of those organised people who have their Christmas shopping done weeks in advance, presents wrapped and under the tree, with ribbons and bows and looking like something straight out of a a Christmas movie. I really wish I was one of those people who have Christmas cards signed, sealed and delivered and sitting on the mantel piece of their loved ones well in advance. But I'm not - I am not one of those people, and I now accept that I never will be. Every year without fail, I tell myself this year will be different. I’m going to be sensible and organised. I’m going to order everything online weeks in advance. I’m totally on top of it.
And now, here we are, with 5 shopping days left until Christmas...and I'm in a panic. As usual.
So here's some tips if you are a last minute panic shopper like me...
1. Don't Panic!
Yes, there are only 5 days leet, but that doesn't mean you need to blow the budget. You don't want to end up with a financial hangover for the next month, so try to shop smart.
2. Avoid credit cards
Use cash or debit card only. It's so easy to lose the run of yourself with a credit card. It can often feel like free money...but the high interest rates mean you can be left paying the Christmas bill off for months to come.
3. Shop very early or very late
Much more can be achieved in a concentrated period at the (relatively) quieter times of the day as long as you have a plan. No one likes the crowds and queues that come with the busy Christmas period, so do whatever you can to avoid them.
4. Make a list
There is a great sense of satisfaction that comes with ticking off the items on a list, Plus it helps to keep you on track, when you start to gaze longingly at that handbag you can't afford. Start your list with the most crucial things and remember you're buying for them, not you!
5. Organise a Christkindl
If you have friends or relatives who are as disorganised as you, ask to do a Christkindl where you each draw one person to buy a gift for. This cuts out the nonsense of buying a gift for someone because you expect they might buy you one.
6. Don't waste food
Everyone loves a Christmas feast but there's no point in going nuts, with mountains of food ending up in the bin. The shops will reopen after Christmas - we need to remember this!
And when all that is done, you can sit back in front of the fire, with a glass of mulled wine, and experience what if feels like to be one of those organised people!
Book your stay at the George Frederic Handel Hotel if you are doing your Christmas shopping in Dublin or pop into Corks at the Handel for a tasty bite to eat!
