So it looks like Christmas is just around the corner, providing the world doesn’t come to an end next Friday, which I highly doubt will actually happen.

But that’s a topic for next week.

This week, as people are in mad rushes to get parcels shipped and cards mailed, I can sit back and drink some hot chocolate as I’m already done all my holiday stuff. Take that, suckers!

Seriously though, the sheer insanity involved with a season that supposed to be about peace and joy is quite ridiculous. Trying to wade through the mob of shoppers in pretty much any store in the area this time of year is like preparing for battle.

There’s no wandering around, seeing if you can spot something you think your cousin might like, taking the time to really decide if your dad would prefer that silly looking tie or a new tool set. You need to know what you’re going in for before you even get into the car to drive to the store.

It’s even better if you’re shopping at store you’re already very familiar with – you can take the paths of least resistance and make a beeline to each section to find your gifts – but only if you don’t get run over by a wayward shopping cart.

Plus, when you head out to do the shopping, you get all bundled up in a winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves and the rest because the mercury is hovering around -20C. However, once you get rolling around the stores, you get completely overheated in the bulky winter gear and then have to carry it around with you, on top of your purchases!

Although if we were all smart, we’d just do all our Christmas shopping online! That’s super convenient, plus you can do it at home in your pajamas.

Granted all the online orders, which have to be shipped, have lead to the incredible backlog of in the shipping and delivery of packages.

Is there really any way to win beyond doing your Christmas shopping in July?

I suppose, for some people out there, that the madhouse of holiday shopping is part of the fun. But then there’s also people that count country dancing and sun tanning as “fun” activities.

I don’t get people sometimes.

I’m sure I’m coming off as a total Scrooge, but this is what Christmas shopping is like! Isn’t this Santa’a job?