Last week I saw them putting up the Christmas Tree in City Square, Melbourne. A terrifying thought entered my head. Christmas is only 73 sleeps away. Yep, that’s right. Have I scared you too? The Spring Racing Carnival has barely begun and already, Christmas decorations are taking over the prime real estate in department stores – fascinators and frocks are taking a backseat to tinsel and trees. This started me thinking about gifts and being organised for the festive season. Dates are being held for various Christmas catch ups in my diary – and together with all the launches, events and Spring Racing fun, when will I find the time (or the funds) to start getting Christmas in order?

First things first. I wrote ‘the list’. Names of family, friends and others who make the grade for a gift, others with whom we have Kris Kringle arrangements and another still who I will share a drink and a meal with, but no gifts are exchanged. Then there are cards to write, gifts to wrap and all the glorious food to prepare. This year I was pleased that my ‘i’ll get that for such-and-such and put it away’ philosophy had born fruit when I was able to fill most of my list from the special cupboard reserved for such things.

I do find it amusing that I can easily find gifts for children and acquaintances, but it is those I am closest to that are the hardest to choose for.  Parents, brothers and best friends are the ones I know best but will inevitably be searching for gifts for in the last weeks before Christmas. I desperately hope that what I choose they will enjoy or that the store I buy from has a refund policy if they don’t.

So how is your Christmas buy up coming along 73 days out? What is on your Christmas wish list? How will you spend your time over the holiday period?  It’s time to start baking your puddings people!! Let the festivities begin!