The Bain of Every December.

As they say, it's that time of the year again and like every year, Christmas is approaching faster than ever. December always seems to be a busy month for most, with Christmas parties, perhaps deadlines at work, a few pipe band competitions and the drama that is Christmas shopping.

Now I will happily pronounce that I am officially useless at buying presents for people. I leave it to the last minute, find myself trying to save money at every opportunity and very rarely know what to buy each person I intend to purchase for.

For the last couple of years I've had a number of small contingency plans. Last year it was to buy everyone in New Zealand DVDs of televisions programmes from Australia that I liked and that thought they might also enjoy, especially if they couldn't get them at home. The upside with DVDs is that they don't cost an arm and a leg to send and they conveniently fit through most people's mailbox. The downside is that's a little bit boring and I can't unfortunately do it again this year.

So with my up and coming visit in New Zealand, I have already organised with my Mum that we will get our gifts for each other when I am there. Sorted. One person down, a whole lot of others to go.

Then there's always the question of the people who fit into grey areas. Do I buy so and so a present? What happens if I don't and they've got something for me? The stress of it all is unbelievable at a time when we're supposed to be remembering something religious, not remembering what time Target is closing tonight.

So I'm off to make a start on the shopping today as it's a Monday and I have a day off. I'm going to avoid weekend shopping like the plague. I've got ideas for two people and a 'couple' present for some good friends. That's it though. I need inspiration. I need everyone's wish lists. What I need is Santa's elves.

Fingers crossed this isn't an unpleasant experience where the credit card bears the brunt of my frustration!