It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
And although I have managed to ship a lot of the boys presents into Qatar thanks to the likes of Harrods (with the quickest delivery I have ever had a pleasure of receiving), Selfridges (ask any Qatar resident and they’ll know all about the Global plus delivery to your door from Selfridges), Next, Bonds Australia via Aramex Shop and Ship. And of course – some sneaky second hand bargains being picked up.
Yes, Christmas is ticking along nicely out here as long as I forget that next week the boys and I have to go on a hunt around Qatar for my husband, the man who has everything and if wants something just buys it. But that’s ok I have a list and they have ideas.
Plenty of ideas. I’m not really sure that some of their ideas are with him in mind, but I guess it’s the thought that counts.
No, my problem this year is gifts for everyone else.
With the coronavirus pandemic hitting the world hard, and Qatar being a high risk country in the summer and the UK being a high risk country now, we have not seen friends or family back home for 18 months. My mum, who normally comes to visit us twice a year as well as putting up with us descending on her for two months each summer, has not seen any of us for a year.
A whole year.
It’s a lot, especially in terms of the boys. My youngest turned two last week, so that’s 50% of his life that she’s missed out on.
My mum, being ever so organised, has managed to send presents out to us all the same way we have been receiving them ourselves (thank you Selfridges) but our problem was thinking of what we can do for her.
Being organised and shopping local
So this year for the ones we love, rather than me using Mum post, I have tried to go shopping local. As in local to them rather than me.
Using local businesses such as Pearsons Florist’s flower delivery services means that I have been able to have fresh gifts delivered directly. The likes of flowers and fresh food hampers are once again accessible for me to send.
And send I have. Not that they know what’s going to be appearing on their doorsteps – but I have to say I’m jealous I won’t be going to help them enjoy!
Spreading Christmas Cheer
It’s not been easy this year, but I am thankful for the online world making the world feel smaller, like I am only down the road. That I am able to be there in spirit if not in person.
Here’s to 2021, the world opening up for travel again, and being able to get a hug from my mum.
