Christmas shopping: love it or hate it?

Melanie Kramers

14 December 2011

I love Christmas. I had my first mince pie in October and have been liberally adding cloves to hot cider, wine and any other alcohol going for weeks.

The premature festive spirit hasn't extended to shopping, however, with no presents yet sourced. Luckily my very large family has opted for a recession-friendly Secret Santa this year, which gets me partly off the hook.

I had grand plans to make craft gifts for everyone. But I've left it far too late. All I have to show is one unfinished mitten and some sticky jars of sloe gin that won't be brewed til February.

And let's face it, while my mum might want something knitted by my own fair hands, my brother really doesn't. At all.

You can find out what kind of Christmas shopper you are by taking our seasonal quiz.

Meanwhile, if you're looking for eco-friendly presents, see our top ten gift ideas.

Merry Christmas - ho ho ho! Too early you say? Not in my book.

Melanie Kramers, Communications & Media team