HINTS ON HOW TO BUY PRESENTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19247, 8 December 1930, Page 16

HINTS ON HOW TO BUY PRESENTS.

GAY SHOP WINDOWS ANNOUNCE CHRISTMAS.

Nothing could be more pleasing than the early start Christchurch has made to keep up the good old festivities of Christmas. In the shops one already' sees a most tempting array of presents, both useful and ornamental: and here and there a thoughtful shopkeeper exhibits a placard, “ Have you forgotten anymne this Christmas?” The crowds of people round these attractive windows show that Christchurch is try'ing its best not to forget anyone. Cynics and curmudgeons can say smart things about the good old season, and think it correct to laugh at the melodrama of “ A Christmas Carol ”; but the goodnatured man refuses to button up his pocket and save money' by .means of such a paltry excuse. The waits singing the age-old carols, the exchange of gifts, and the wishing of the timehonoured “ A Merry' Christmas and a Happy New Year,” still have their old appeal; and if the cynics are not remarkable for an active share in the old ceremonies, they secretly rather like being wished the compliments of the season. This annual throwing-off of the reserve under which most of us live, this time when we try to feel kindly disposed towards everyone, touches a chord that leaves a pleasant memory and helps to make life go a little more pleasantly'. A Sight for Pessimists. People who are inclined to listen to the pessimists should take a walk along any of the streets, at any hour of the day'. It would do them good to see the cheerfulness and quiet confidence in the faces of the folks studying the shop windows. Christchurch shopkeepers have verylittle to learn about the art of windowdressing, and the shops have never been more alluring than they are at the present time. From the big establishments with their acres of polished plate-glass down to the small one-man shop, the town is so attractive that it is hard to hurry' by. The trouble with most people is that they' leave the buying of Christmas presents until the last minute. The result is that the unfortunate shop assistants are quite tired out by' Christmas Eve, while many a late shopper is far from satisfied with his choice and makes up his mind to do better next year. Leisure to Choose. _ Choosing the Christmas gift is a simple matter if done leisurely. It is surely' not too much to devote a little time to picking out something appropriate, something that shows thought, for the relation, the friend, or the dearer than a friend. An appropriate present need not be expensive, but its appropriateness proves that the giver spent some time studying the likes or dislikes of the recipient, and the implied compliment makes the gift doubly’ appreciated. In addition to the circle of family' and friends, there are some others we should remember at this time of good cheer—the men who are unfortunate enough to be out of work. They and their families will have a pretty dull time anyhow, but it is possible to wish them “ A Merry Christmas ” and make it really a merry one for them. It is to be hoped Christchurch will not forget the men, the women, and particularly the children, who must be looking into the gay shops rather wistfully just