Christmas is rapidly bearing down upon us (where did the year go?). Are you in the middle of completing final orders, or supporting teenagers through their exams, or arranging end-of-year celebrations, markets or holidays. And thrown into the mix, the children will be on holidays soon too, getting under our feet.
Its a crazy time of the year for all too many of us, without a moment to consider the ill effects of the end-of-year overload. As the women of the house, we are often in charge of the bulk of the organisational duties; the daily food preparation, making sure that everyone is remembering to bring their sunhat, beach gear or party food and everything else that this time of year requires. And of course, there’s Christmas shopping.
For busy people like us, Christmas shopping can be overwhelming (and congratulations to those organised souls who love this time of the year!). Finding an elusive parking spot, then traipsing around the stores with grumpy children at heel, spending more that youd planned and realising too late that youve missed somebody’s gift can be altogether unpleasant. So for us, online shopping is a gift from heaven. All it takes is a considered list of recipients and ideas, a couple of fun hours and a computer. The most important thing, though, is to be organised early so that there is no stress from potentially late deliveries.
Big savings can be made too. Street clothing chains have fabulous sales at the moment, while smaller, handmade online shops (like Handmade Emporium) sell unique and affordable items that cant be bought anywhere else, while still offering the same fast turnaround and brilliant service that big shops offer. Often, a gift-wrapping service is included at this time of the year too. Ahhh, online shopping. Its a win for the environment, a win for small Australian manufacturers¦and a win for your relaxed and happy family!
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Guest Post written by Karina Reyne, co-partner of Handmade Emporium, the hip handmade marketplace. Check out the best of handmade at Handmade Emporium.
