Fionnuala is super organised when it comes to Christmas. When it comes to most matters, really. But it’s inevitable there are always a few last minute purchases to be made on Christmas Eve. Today was no exception. I was dispatched to source Christmas crackers. There was no joy in our village shop, which resembled the American evacuation of Hanoi. It was akin to one of those supermarket scenes you see in zombie movies. Every man, woman and child for themselves.
Onwards to the next village. When I asked the shop assistant if they stocked crackers she stared at me blankly until I clarified ‘Christmas, as opposed to the edible variety.’ She giggled, before cheerily announcing they were sold out, and directing me to an even tinier shop on the outskirts of the village. So tiny, that I thought it had closed down years ago. I often run past it, and it rarely shows any signs of life. But desperate times call for desperate measures.
Shop Number Three most accurately resembled a shack, opposite an equally derelict petrol station. Parking outside it, I half expected to be greeted by a grizzled hillbilly bearing a double barrelled shotgun. ‘We don’t get many strangers round these parts’, prior to yours truly disappearing and my body never being found. So I was semi relieved to be greeted by a pleasant middle aged lady when I entered. Not a skin mask to be seen.
Relief soon turned to disappointment, however, as she informed me that, lo and behold, they had also sold out of Christmas crackers. I returned home empty handed. I don’t even like them anyway. Who needs toe curling jokes and cheap, plastic toys? The paper hats never fit my meaty head and invariably rip, leaning me looking stupider than ever. Plus they leave a mess and I’m usually the one who has to clear up after the kids. Bah humbug, I say.
What last minute Christmas item are you running around after today?
What Christmas ‘necessity’ could you live without?
Black Thoughts 
We’re invited out for Christmas and a friend I thought would be out of town was going to be alone so of course I asked our host if she could join us. I’m happy about all of that but now I’ve got to get gifts for both today. They’ll be easy and off the beaten path at gift shops that shouldn’t be crowded. All this after I’d smugly announced three weeks ago that I was done.
Stocking stuffers drive me batty. I’m not good at selecting them though I’ve received some very good ones (still carrying a mini umbrella received five years ago). I’d sure be happy to see this one go away.
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It was very thoughtful of you to think of your friend. I hope you get what you need and have a lovely Christmas 🎄
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None!
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Very organised.
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I have the pleasure of working today. So I will most definitely be running around finding last minute items for other shoppers.
I don’t know if this is a “necessity” but I could live without fruitcake! Yuck!
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I can take or leave fruitcake. I hope today isn’t too stressful and you get everything you need.
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We didn’t evacuate Hanoi. We evacuated Saigon. Just sayin’.
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Ooooops
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You’re the writer, not me.
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It is 7 a.m. here as I write this. My loving hubby and my daughter ventured out for last minute items yesterday while I was at work. Yes, they forgot a couple of things. No, I am not going out today to get them. I will live without rather than venture out on Christmas eve! Nothing is more important to me than doing a bit of cooking and cleaning in anticipation of the family meal we will share tomorrow. Ah, Christmas, why much it turn us all into scurrying mice running after things, that in the end really do not matter. I will imbibe the cheer, peace, and joy and fast on things today. In the end it is the time spent with loved ones that make Christmas a cause for jubilation. Wishing you all the joy, peace, and goodwill of the season. May you and your loved ones enjoy every moment. Merry Christmas!
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i truly try to not shop christmas eve. and i definitely don’t head out on boxing day. that being said, i did have an emergency purchase to make – polysporin eye drops. in the spirit of many holidays past, i’ve developed an illness. this year, it’s an eye infection. so thrilling. luckily, i was able to find the drops at the third store. the sea of desperate bodies wielding carts and grabbing a million things willy-nilly was a touch horrifying, however, and reaffirmed in me my desire to stay well away from commercial enterprises over this week.
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Hi Em. I hope your eye infection clears up and you have a great Christmas. Lock the door and enjoy 😉
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thank you. merry christmas.
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Not a thing!
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Most impressive 👍🏻
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I’m to head out into the fray as well this morning. I thought to ask for well-wishes after my own body, but do not need to visit any shady shops for crackers -so maybe I’ll survive after all.
Do you have Costco over there? It’s an ENORMOUS store that is chock-full of people on days like today and I am not looking forward to it.
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No. But I did visit a Walmart when I was in Florida. My mind was blown by a place where you could buy water melons, tractor tyres and assault rifles under the one roof.
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You’ll have to look up a video of Costco. 😀
I live near the biggest one in the world and it’s crazy!
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What about a video of you flapping round it?
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I’m not searching for the video for you. Don’t you have a lot of time on your hands right now? 🙂
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Why do I have a lot of time on my hands?
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‘Cause you’ve been ill.
Get well soon. Merry Christmas.
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Oh yeah….so I have. Happy Christmas Chelsea Owens.
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Thanks! 😀
It might cheer you to know The Plague has struck here. That’s what I get for teasing!
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Ah crackers. One of my favorite things while living in England!! Even the fanciest richest people “do” crackers.
This year there are no last minute shoppings. The only shopping was for food. Cash diets give a whole different perspective.
Happy Christmas to you and yours!!
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Thank you. Same to you. Hope you find some crackers 😊
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I do all my shopping early but seems like my husband has to make a last minute trip to the grocery store to pick up some item I forget until I start baking.
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I think we are all the same 😂
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Our last minute shopping was for the turkey … I sent the Colonel to the busiest supermarket I’ve ever seen to find one, whilst I had a lovely mooch in the shop next door and bought him an extra present. I love Christmas… I just wish they’d all wake up – it’s so exciting! Happy Christmas to the Black family 🎁🎁🎉🎉
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I’m sure the Colonel deployed his military skills to excellent effect within such a hostile environment 😊
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Absolutely … I don’t think this time he had to wrestle someone to the ground, but he tells me that his tactical training came into play 😄
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Yes, the commando roll is an invaluable skill.
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I stayed home and worked on my book for Christmas Eve, but on Christmas Day I’ll walk down to the corner store to buy some sparkling apple juice. My wife did the shopping today and did not have enough capacity in her backpack to buy the bottles of juice. She did note that the store will be open until 5pm on Dec 25—probably the only grocery store in town that will be open.
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That’s dedication, working on your book on Christmas Eve. Enjoy the apple juice.
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It’s Christmas morning here in Buffalo & last night my son regretted not getting any ginger ale. This morning, I noticed that we were a wee bit low on milk. (as always). But no big deal … the thing about living in a neighborhood that is 50% Muslim is that the Imperial Market, at which I do most of my shopping now, is open all day today. Also Family Dollar will also be open. I know that some people moan that stores are open on the Christmas holiday but not all people are Christians! Which works out perfectly for those of us who always need this or that. I will take a morning walk no matter what so I will pick up ginger ale & milk when I go out.
Merry Christmas! Happiness to all!
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Thank you. The same to you. Thank God for Muslim shopkeepers 😂
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I could live with ALL of the fuss of the holidays, actually. I told my hubby that next year we are skipping the gift exchange and saving up for a vacation somewhere AWAY from everyone we know. How that for humanity? I love my family dearly, but they also drive me crazy. 😉 Happy 2019 to you!
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I think a lot of people would agree with you if they were being totally honest with themselves 😂
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Way behind on reading blogs. I went to the grocery store three times on Christmas Eve. The last time was for the ingredients for HarryPotter Butterbeer. It turned out divine!!
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I’ve never heard of that. Is it from the books?
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Usually its food related too, but I can live without it. I enjoy the Christmas tins that have a variety of popcorn.
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I’ve never heard of them.
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