Well, it is now 34 days until Christmas, and at Work, probably seven out of every ten customers is completing part of their Christmas shopping.

What struck me first is their organisation. If I ever -in my adult life- complete Christmas Shopping before the last possible minute, it will be the true definition of a Christmas Miracle.

The decorations at work are up, the songs are out, the presents are being sold, and I'm encouraged to babble with small children about Santa.

Its made me somewhat excited. Whereas usually I would be grumbling about the materialism of such a time, where the purpose is to out-do your friends and family with generosity for your own means as opposed to any true sentiments, I am instead seeing parents sincere excitement at finding the perfect gift for their kids.

There was a Grandmother who I was talking to who had had a rubbish Christmas last year. She'd had a big family, everyone was in different places, and the youngest of her grandchildren had each been hospitalised, one on Christmas Eve, one on Boxing day, and one on New Years.
She was hoping that this year, with everyone coming up to stay with her, it would be a calmer one.

I know its not the best story of hope, because the Christmas hasnt come yet, but the amount I wish for her Christmas to be the most beautiful ever is completely unreal. I want her Christmas to be the perfect dream one, with her kids all together, and her grandkids ultra excited about the spirit of Christmas. And I know what she bought them, they'll have a really fun day whatever happens.

Its just really beyond adorable some of the people I'm meeting. I got really disheartened after a morning when everything stacked aganst me- to the point a customer complained about me because of a misunderstanding- but then I meet these sorts of people, and I'm restored in my faith.

Not my Christian faith, though Im sure what I do mean comes into part of it. But my faith in people. I have always beleived there is good in everyone. Its beyond cheesy to say and admit, but I've admitted it enough times on my blog that its known to be true. I find these people whose attitude upsets me, but for every one of those, I find three who are beautiful.

And like I say, it's made me very excited about Christmas.

My parents call me a Scrooge at Christmas, because I don't like snow, and I don't like Christmas Crowds, or the materialism... But Christmas is pretty much when I come into my element.

I'm beyond terrible at remembering birthdays. But Christmas is my opportunty to get presents for people that they would value and love. And this year, for the first year, I have more money to do it with.

While my list of people I have to buy for is stupidly long, and I do complain about it, I am going to love shopping for them. I love finding something and knowing they'll smile when they open it.

It gives me alot of hope :)

Now, whilst I know that theres going to be alot of arguments, family disuputes, that awkward moment when someone has got you a present and you havent got anything for them... I'm really looking forward to it this year. Bring it on :)