Christmas Shopping

This week, the third week in November, is always special to me as it brings back wonderful memories. Memories of travelling to London with my mum over so many years for our annual Christmas shopping day, always on a Thursday, when many of the large stores were open later than usual.

We’d travel to Oxford Street in the heart of London. Step counting technology wasn’t around then, but I know we exceeded not one but many days’ step targets as we trekked the length of the street and back again, first admiring the beautiful window displays then venturing inside to buy gifts, decorations and wrappings. Still a month before Christmas, the stock in the shops looked new and fresh and even as adults, we felt a sense of excitement and wonder.

By the end of the day, as daylight faded and the Christmas lights above the street came on, we’d stop for a much needed drink and rest before taking the train home, laden with parcels. Now, many years later and as this year’s Christmas adverts begin to appear on television again, I feel very nostalgic for those special days.

Christmas shopping is very different for me now. I don’t have many gifts to buy as the family has shrunk over the years and its few younger members appreciate having vouchers and being able to choose clothes from whichever stores are trending currently.

However, this year I’ve been summoned for jury service for the middle two weeks of December so I’m trying to buy those vouchers, write and post Christmas cards and plan three weeks of meals within a very short space of time. I’ve often felt overwhelmed with everything, as I had a fall recently and am trying to recover from that too.

It feels as though I’m just rushing through my days and weeks towards the end of the year. I need to stop, take a breath and remember that Advent begins next week. Advent …. the season of preparation …. and waiting.

It’s usually a season I enjoy: not, these days, marked by the Advent calendars of childhood, but with an Advent book full of daily readings to explore and reflect on. At the moment I feel that I’ve concentrated too much on Christmas preparation and have been neglecting the reflective, waiting time.

Perhaps you feel the same? It’s so easy to get caught up in the momentum of everything. As the weather has turned colder this week and, in some parts of England there has been snow, I’ve felt a bit like a snowball hurtling downhill, collecting more and more layers as I travel. If I’m not careful, I shall hit a bump and do myself as much damage as my fall did.

Today, I’m taking stock and reminding myself that I don’t need to, and indeed, can’t, do everything in my own strength. I need to remember to lean into the Lord, knowing that He will take my burdens and walk ahead of me through this ‘just pre-Advent’ season of the year.

I’m confident that I’ll be guided gently towards the most appropriate Advent reading material, which I can use as a fruitful way to pass the inevitable waiting around time involved in jury service. I’m excited to see where I notice His face in that of other people and His justice in the court procedure.

I still hold dear those lovely memories of Christmas shopping from Novembers gone by, but as for that other festive treat which I’ve always wanted to try: ice skating on an outdoor rink, my fall has left me with one black eye already so I won’t be attempting that any time soon!

Enjoy your Christmas shopping, Advent reading and precious time of waiting … take it slowly.