Reply #32: Yeah tell me about it.

[foreigncorrespondent]

It really is busy this time of year. I work in security for a major electronics etc store in Australia, and the stores are really getting busy now. Thank God, I am not working on Christmas eve this year. I am so short that people won't see me and just trample on me. LOL

Anyway, for the last few years, I have teamed up with my mum, and we merge our Christmas gifts together. We only buy for my sister, her husband and children. And what we buy is usually something small, that we know they really do want, and will get a lot of use out of.

This year though, Sapph will be here for Christmas. :) This is also going to be the first Christmas in quite a while, were I have had an income leading up to it, and so, it will be the first Christmas where I can actually go out and get her something which I can pay for with my own money I have been putting aside for it. And that is something I am looking forward to being able to do.

Usually we will ask a few months in advance what the people want or need that we buy for. That way it makes it easier for us when we go to get their gifts. Sapph is the only one I haven't asked what she would like. Simply because I know she would say she has enough just spending it with me, but also because I do have a gift in mind for her. One which I know she will really enjoy, but also would be really touched by. :)

When we get the gift wrap, we usually buy the stuff made from recycled paper. And on Christmas day when all the gifts are open, the paper and packages go straight into the recycle bin.

Mum and I also shop at locally owned stores for gifts rather than the big establishments like Kmart, Target, etc. That way we know the little bit of money we do spend is going back into the community. :)

This year though will be the first time since mum and I moved into this place together last year, that we will have a Christmas tree up etc, so we have spent some money of decorations and stuff. But again, all those have come from locally owned businesses only.

I like your idea of making gifts, but because mum and I both work, we really don't have the time to make anything ourselves.