insideKENT Magazine Issue 32 - November 2014 | Page 137

CHRISTMAS

#ShopLocal this Christmas
B Y

L I S A M A R I E

L A M B

Even if you hate shopping, even if you despise crowds, there is something about
stepping outside on a cold winter’s day and wandering around the decorated shops
when all the fairy lights are twinkling that makes Christmas shopping that little bit
more exciting, that little bit more worthwhile. Even the Christmas songs that repeat
from store to store are smile inducing.
Statistics say that around 65% of our high street Christmas shopping
purchases are spontaneous, which is why it’s so much fun. Sometimes you
will spot that perfect present in the right place at the right time, and when
you see it, you will know exactly who you would like to see unwrap it come
Christmas Day. The sense of achievement when it’s all done (even if it did
go over budget) is immense – and since you’re out and about, why not
treat yourself to a creamy cup of hot chocolate and a sneaky pastry?

The average UK shopper tends to start their Christmas buying in earnest
in mid-November, and it can take three or four trips to the high street to
get everything. This includes the first recognisance mission to scout out
which shops are selling what, the second timid foray to test the crowds
and the atmosphere, and the final push to finish in time for wine, wrapping,
and Love Actually on the telly. Perhaps that last bit’s just me…

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