It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

The halls are decked, local homes are illuminated with fairy lights and the village is buzzing with Christmas cheer. It’s all hands on deck in Braidwood over Summer, explained President of Braidwood and Villages Tourism Association, Annie Clarke. Busy and bustling but laid back and bucolic is how Annie would describe beautiful Braidwood at this time of the year.

“From bustling and busy, as people from all over the state come through town to the South Coast on holidays, to laid back and bucolic as locals take time out to enjoy the warm weather, and head out to the Shoalhaven for a dip,” Annie said.

It is also the time of the year to support local businesses and Braidwood has an enormous array of local product to purchase for Christmas celebrations.

“From seasonal fruits to garlic and honey. Our famous Mutton's Department Store is the oldest in original family hands in the state, while new boutique shops, including a dedicated Christmas shop, have opened during the year,” Annie said.

There are two kinds of shoppers.

Those who buy presents weeks before Christmas and those people who wait until the last moment - even the day before.

It’s not likely that either of these groups is going to change so it’s best to maximise the benefits and minimise the damage by looking at some tips.

The advantages are many because the festivities and crowds do not distract you when you are out shopping. 

As you don’t have to push your way through the throng, you can take your time and follow a well-compiled list or you can browse the store to your heart’s content.

You won’t be tempted to spend more. 

And you can look out for specials once you figure out the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Retail assistants tend to be more relaxed and less run off their feet so you can ask them questions and ask them to recommend suitable gifts.

But disadvantages do exist. 

What if someone in your family may change their mind about what gift they want between the time you buy the item to the time for giving.

Also, many items may not be at special Christmas prices yet – the nearer to the actual date, the more the shops want to get rid of their Christmas stock.

The advantage is that Christmas stock such as decorations, chocolates and gift sets are heavily discounted, especially on Christmas Eve. 

You may even get a sizeable discount off popular items.

Also, you really get in the spirit of Christmas shopping and can hone in on displays offering tempting gifts.

The disadvantages are numerous too. Not only do you have to fight the surging tide of shoppers and this can lead to stress.

Also, you take a chance that the items you wanted may also be sold out. In the rush you may forget someone’s present – disaster!

Just remember that the more appropriate a gift, that is a gift from the heart, the more likely it will be well received rather than just a monetary value. 

Some people like to receive vouchers while others don’t.​

Remember to try and keep it local, if you can. Support the local businesses that support you.

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