Christmas shopping in January

I’m one of those typical Christmas-shopping procrastinators. I leave the dreaded trip to Sandton City until a mere two weeks before the big day (sometimes a week *ssshh*). 

I love shopping, but I hate crowds. It’s an oxymoron really. If I could have it my way, my shopping experience would be like the ones I have in my dreams. I’d have the entire mall to myself, with no one bumping and grinding my thigh in the queue, their hot breath cascading down my back. I’d have endless access to the complimentary treats on offer, which no one else has spoiled with their dirty, germ-infested hands. I’d be able to choose the Christmas tunes I wanted to hear, and confiscate any evidence of Boney M. And then, since this is Christmas dream shopping, I would get everything for free.

Unfortunately this isn’t the case for me. It doesn’t help that I can almost hear the countdown to Christmas echoing in my ear every time I drive passed any Pick n Pay, Checkers or Mr Price Home store. “You’re leaving it to the last minute you know!” threatens Pick n Pay. “Come see all my pretty-shinys!” coaxes Mr Price Home. “I’ll beat any price they offer!” challenges Checkers.
Aaaah! 
I’m going to do something extraordinary next year. It’s the stuff organised housewives, savvy grannies and cheapskates do. I’m going to do my Christmas shopping in January, when all the unbought 2011 festive presents get chucked out for a quarter of the price.

Please wish me luck, I’m battling the Sandton germ fest this weekend …