Every year, at least in the United Kingdom, Christmas products start to appear in the shops by around Halloween, if not before. Indeed, from Santa-shaped chocolates, to Christmassy cufflinks and clothing, the shelves are lined with festive goods; decorations are put up and carols played. And this, without fail, raises the familiar objection that Christmas gets earlier with each year that passes.
These complaints, however, seem entirely misguided for two significant, yet little discussed reasons. Firstly, it is simply wrong to suggest that Christmas arrives earlier each year; it comes no earlier nowadays than it did at the beginning of the 20th Century! And secondly, rather than being a foolish or overly eager endeavour, preparing for Christmas early seems like a sensible thing to do; it gives us time to get hold of the sterling silver cufflinks, scarves, socks, bangles, and everything else on our loved ones’ Christmas lists!
Indeed, it allows us time to put careful consideration into the gifts we’d like to give to our loved ones. Whether it is sterling silver cufflinks, elegant jewellery, clothing, bangles, gadgets or anything else, it enables us to shop around and make sure we have purchased the right items. After all, there is simply nothing worse than panic buying on Christmas eve – we end up making silly purchases, getting ripped off and buying gifts that nobody really wants!
Particularly when purchasing gifts for those who are notoriously difficult to buy for – like Father’s and husbands who refuse to enlighten you as to what they would like but have tendencies to be rather picky – having a long period of time to think carefully about gift ideas is a real advantage. Say they are a fan of sterling silver cufflinks, like those sold by One Bond Street, having time to prepare allows you to compare different sets of cufflinks, subtly find out more about the styles that they are fond of and also find the best value for money.
Indeed, it also gives you a bit of time to change your mind. If, for instance, you buy one stylish set of sterling silver cufflinks from One Bond Street but later discover that they are not the desired type of the recipient - not really the right style - you can simply send them back and swap them for a different set without feeling under pressure from tight time constraints. Or if, for example, a hint gets dropped, that actually, what your loved one would really like for Christmas, is a delicate and elegant sterling silver bangle, like those sold by One Bond Street, you can simply buy them the bangle and send back the cufflinks.
Although, of course, it can sometimes be a little strange seeing Christmas products alongside Halloween goodies on the shelves of shops, it is clear that having a fair amount of time to complete all of your Christmas preparations really isn’t a bad thing. Maybe, then, we should all think twice about complaining this year!
Angie Mastroyiannis
Author