With Christmas just a month away, it is now officially safe to embrace Christmas and the festive season, if you haven't already done this. This has been the most unusual year that most of us has experienced, but the great spirit that has seen us through it is needed for a while longer until we get life back to some sort of normality.
With this in mind, and with the future of your own communities at stake, it is more important than ever that we keep our Christmas shopping as local as we can this year. If everyone in Galway spent an extra €30 this Christmas, a boost of millions would be given to our shops and services, to the jobs of your families and friends. Most importantly, it would keep thousands of businesses open across the region so that we can exit this strange time with the minimum of distress to our city, towns and villages.
Some of more organised among us will by now have all their presents bought and wrapped, but in all likelihood, you are still ticking people off your list, the most important thing at this stage is not to panic.
Money may or may not be plentiful this Christmas, but Christmas gifts do not necessarily have to be lavish and expensive.
It is about finding the right gift for the right person, something personal and practical that will be appreciated for the effort put in to choosing it.
Fortunately Galway has plenty to offer the discerning Christmas shopper, with all manner of treats primed for a cherished spot under the Christmas tree.
There is no doubt that everything you need is available within the region, so try your local stores first when planning your shopping. By keeping your business in Galway, you are keeping Galway in business.
For the younger generations toys are still top of the pile when it comes gift ideas and you will find all the favourites in the city's stores to put a smile on their face. If you need something for a baby or toddler you can find a fantastic collection of children's clothes, as well as a wide range of educational toys for young children.
To show someone special just how much they mean think unique, stunning jewellery or beautiful local crafts.
Other great ideas include a bit of pampering; perfumes and beauty products are always a favourite or, if you are willing to splash out a bit, a holiday break away. And if you are thinking outside the box, why not try something a little bit more off the beaten track like quad biking.
And remember, when time is running out or you have to buy for someone and you have no idea what kind of gift he or she would like, you can always give a gift voucher. Vouchers are available in most outlets, offering a vast range of options, and can often make a better gift than a hastily bought present which the recipient might not like.
Whatever you are looking for there are plenty of options out there.
Planning for presents
They say it's the season to be jolly, but this year with all that has been going on, the thought of having to hit the shops during the festive season is terrifying.
With the proper preparation and planning you can still make 2020 Christmas shopping a fun experience that is hassle free.
1. Plan, plan, plan. As obvious as it sounds make sure you plan out your Christmas present list. Sit down and go through the names of the people you plan on buying presents for this year. This way you will be less likely to forget anyone. Also, think about family members, should you and your siblings get together to buy presents for your parents? And will it be easier for you and your spouse/partner to buy presents for close family friends as a couple?
2. Budget. Christmas is an expensive time of the year, between parties, new clothes, and presents. Calculate how much money you can realistically spend on presents, this is where buying presents together will help you save.
3. Keep it simple. For those friends and family members who usually give you a courtesy present every Christmas, why not keep it simple by buying a selection of chocolates and wines to divide out among them? There are usually offers on wines, chocolates, and biscuits at this time of year,
4. Buy one, get one free. Some shops have offers on during Christmas such as buy two gifts and get one free. This can be a great way of saving money, but only if you really need the three presents.
5. It's the season to be jolly, not stressed out, so plan your shopping time well. Try to figure out what you are going to buy people and head straight for the shops that supply them. You can browse for stocking fillers later.
6. If you are having a bit of trouble getting through the crowds try to pick a quiet time of the day such as early morning and keep it mid-week. Galway is a great shopping city, with retail parks, shopping centres, and streets to choose from you should be able to pick up everything you need.
7. Mail or internet order it. Catalogue and internet shopping from local stories are great ways of avoiding the Christmas rush. If you are buying presents this way be sure they can be collected ot delivered to you in time for Christmas.
8. Relax. Christmas shopping doesn't have to be a rush. There are plenty of coffee shops, and restaurants in Galway for you to choose from. Take the weight off your feet half way through your shopping day and soak up the socially-distanced festive atmosphere in town.
9. Wrap it up. Once you have the important presents out of the way wrap them up, label them, and put them away. This way you won't be tempted to keep any of the presents for yourself.
10. Treat yourself. Buying Christmas presents can be hard work. So why not treat yourself to something little? Let's face it, receiving is much nicer than giving.
