Christmas Shopping

Southland Times, Issue 22199, 16 December 1933, Page 18

Christmas Shopping

—Prize— As considered by THE “HARD-UP” PERSON. Christmas again! Shops overflowing with gay clothes and tempting goodies—but nothing to buy them with! All around people are laughing and joking as they enter the shops, with laden arms and heavy purses. All the windows seem to mock me with their gay wrappings and air of well-being. I learn to shun the main streets so that I might escape the mockery of that orgy—Christmas shopping. THE HENPECKED HUSBAND. I am only a meek, mere man but I have a very strong opinion about Christmas shopping. My wife rushes from shop to shop, spending recklessly —my money ! She regards me as a useful* but undecorative luggage-carrier. I develop a blue nose and innumerable coms as 1 stand outside the shops, and more serious still, my pocket develops a large hole! THE GREEDY BOY. Heigh ho ! Jolly old Christmas again. Crowds of people shopping and. shops that are crammed with goodies. The only shops I visit with mother are those interesting ones which sell things to eat. Of course I always remember my manners and relieve mother of her parcels, and if the contents dwindle—well, it’s Christmas time ! THE SHOP GIRL. Christmas shopping to me is a terrible nightmare. Crowds and bustle, tiresome customers and aching feet until my very bones are worn. Everyone is shouting and pushing. Doting mothers want shirts that will match their son’s eyes. Flappers are timidly asking whether rose or violet-scented hair oil is best for dark young men, until my head is bursting and I am nearly dead with fatigue. FATHER. All the family is shopping. In my opinion Christmas shopping is a contagious disease that should be completely stamped out. Things cost twice as much yet the family buys and buys—but father gets the bills! —4 marks and 2/- to Cousin Chrissie Ross (14), Maia, Dunedin. CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. There is a delicious thrill about Christmas shopping that never comes with any other kind of shopping. Perhaps it is due to the spirit of Christmas. I feel as if I would like to buy everyone I know a present and if I had heaps of money, I think I should. .... . , j I have to be content, however, with buying for the family circle, an not very expensive presents at that. Still I know that however small the gift is it is just as good a token of peace and goodwill as if it . cost pounds. Even with my small amount of money, there seems to be such a bewildering array of things to choose from that buying is difficult. Dad of cou^ se being a smoker, is easily fixed up but mother causes us quite a lot of thought. A nice piece of crockery is always a welcome gift, so we search for an article at a price we can afford. Then the fun begins! There are so many lovely little ornaments, jugs, cups, and vases that I really cannot decide which is the nicest. Finally the choice is made. Then a sister nearly as old as myself. I know what she would like anyway and I soon find it. Such a dear little purse, at quite a modest price. Now, how is the money lasting ? . . There is a big sister and a big brother besides two small sisters. Oh well there is more than I expected with three presents fixed. Now I saw a nice fountain pen that would just be the thing for my brother. He is always spilling ink .11 over the pk"». N.w th. big sister. Better look round . little this time. Ah, the very thing at the right p„ee. Such a sweet box of toilet soap. It would be a shame to ever put it 1 n water J hat s th hardest part done anyway, because among the hundreds of toys there . not much difficulty in fixing up the two small sisters _ Then a leisurely tour looking into all the shops, buying m fancy .so many lovely and beautiful things. The crowds, the happy aces, the bustle all help to make the Christmas shopping day one of the most delightful y of the year. -4 marks and 2/- to Cousin Connie Jellyman (14), Queen street, Otautau.

—Highly Commended —

It is growing near Christmas, and as we all know we are all confronted with the same problem—what will we give to the rest of the family as a Christmas present? We all like to give them something they want and anticipate. Now, on the day of Christmas eve, I decided I would do some of my shopping in the day time, and the rest in the night, when the streets were lighted up with brilliant, glowing lights. The first shop I came upon was a beautiful and tastefully decorated cake shop and how those Christmas cakes tempted me and made my teeth water. I lingered round the window for half an hour! I could hardly risk the temptation of going in an ask the lady for the price of one cake that caught my eye, I went to open the door but stepped back hastily, realizing that I wouldn’t have enough money for the rest of the things I wanted to buy. But I opened the door, asked the price of my cake, and I put it in my bag and walked out as merry as a sandboy. The next shop I came to was a toyshop, in which I decided I would get an aeroplane for my brother, and a teddy bear for my sister. I shook hands with Santa at the door of Toyland and as I went in a wonderful sight met my gaze for it was all done up to perfection. Fairy Dells for Fairy dolls, Aeroplanes Aviatrix and airmen, and all the most wonderful things a child could desire. All seemed so tranquil and at peace. I asked the lady for an aeroplane and a‘ teddy bear, and I went out feeling satisfied. I then looked at the town clock, and saw it was time to go to tea, so I caught a bus and went home and decided that I would do the rest of my shopping at night. When Christmas Eve came, father took us all to town, so I got off at a fruit stall to buy some crackers and a box of fireworks. When I purchased these I bought some nuts and fruit. I then went on to a book shop and selected out some postcards which were to be sent to some of my friends in other countries. When I had finished these I remembered I had to get a present for mother and father. Mother was always wanting a pearl necklace so I was determined to get her l a string. I then turned my steps to a jeweller’s shop, and after discussing the value of a lot of strings, I took a sixty inch string of cream pearls. I then racked my brains to try and remember what father wanted most, when suddenly it dawned on me that he wanted a collar box. I chose a brown and fawn one with “Collars” printed on it in gold, and lined inside with white silk. I then thought it was time to go home, so I climbed into the waiting car and we went home through the streets thronged with eager purchasers. When all the house was hid in darkness I crept down stairs and put my presents in the owners’ stocking and with a last glimpse at the bulging stockings I slipped back to bed to sleep the sleep of satisfaction only to be sorry that “Christmas Shopping,” was over.

—3 marks to Cousin Lilian Todd (13) Toa P.O. Rimu.

—Commended—

I think Christmas shopping is one of the finest things in the world. I like to walk the streets of the town, gazing into the shop windows as I pass them by, and also to look at the goods stocked there for sale. One would need a small fortune if one stayed in town for long, for one would wish to buy almost everything displayed. There is a delicious odour of saw-dust, and meat in the butcher’s shop, and on entering you may see the customers standing round the counter, while the butcher patiently serves them with their Christmas lambs, hams and many other different kinds of meat. He has a fat red face, and a white and blue striped apron on, and a long shining knife with which he hastily carves the meat. I like to look in at Todd’s and Bowden’s sale-rooms and see all the things advertised for sale,and there are lolly shops, boot-makers’ shops, and all kinds of shops imaginable. At the end of the busy day the noisy streets quieten, and the people disappear to their respective homes, The

clanging and hub-bub of traffic ceases, and presently a man switches on the electric lights, so as to illuminate the surrounding landscape, before the cloak of darkness falls on the scene. 2 marks to Cousin Ruth Johnson, (14), Kapuka South. —Commended — Christmas is such a busy time, Crowds and crowds of people stand around shop windows, discussing the different articles within. Inside, throngs of happy Christmas shoppers, with children by their sides, push on towards toy-land. Then on we pass to other shops to do our shopping. There are a great many things to be bought, and we, like the rest of the people, are occupied, seeking presents for our friends. , £ I think mother would like a box ot handkerchiefs for her present. It would not do to ask her, for of course it must be a secret. A silk shirt for father, a racquet for brother, and a new dress for sister. Then we must not forget a turkey and a plum pudding. Besides there are several other smaller things which are necessary.

2 marks to Cousin Annie Lawrie, (14), Glencoe, R.D.