I caught the Christmas fever early this year. I’m not really sure why, maybe it was because fall transitioned so beautifully into winter, or more likely, it’s because my roommate put the tree up and decorated the entire house more than a month ago.
The decorating is done, Christmas baking has started, I’ve already watched the Grinch, and most importantly, my shopping is done.
This isn’t new to me, I’ve been an early Christmas shopper for the last few years, but in the past it has been out of necessity.
Since I usually hop a flight back to Saskatchewan for Christmas, I used to do almost all of my shopping online and had it shipped back home. I’ve learned from the experience of frantic phone calls, angry exchanges with the mailman, and sheepish “I.O.U” cards that if you take the online shopping route, you have to place your orders early.
But this year I decided to do things the old fashioned way since I will be driving down and will have room in the car to bring gifts back with me. I chose to brave Chinook Mall on black Friday, and while I definitely scored some deals (mostly on items for myself, oops) it wasn’t exactly the most pleasant experience.
The Christmas season is supposed to be about the joy of giving, but to give, you have to buy. I’m not sure the spirit of Christmas was ever intended to involve people driving in circles looking for parking spots, bumping into one another while dragging 40lbs worth of bags through the mall.
So imagine my delight this past weekend when I ventured through the shopping oasis of Olde Towne Okotoks. There was room to breathe, friendly staff, and plenty of parking!
My favourite part of gift giving during the holiday season is not buying a list of things people have requested, but rather finding unique items that they would never even think to ask for.
I found the local shops to be an absolute haven of treasures. I broke the bank out at Chinook Honey stocking up on honey wine, found something for my picky mother at On Tap Oil and Vinegar, and ordered some cherished keepsakes from Pawsitive Impressions.
Many local retailers have even made an effort to stay open late on Thursday nights to give residents a chance to do some shopping after work. So if you do decide to head to the city to buy your gifts this year, be sure to take a drive through town first.
