Getting My Skates On!

Every year I make the same promise to myself that I will start my Christmas preparations early. That way I won’t find myself mid December in a state of anxiety and I can sit back and enjoy the festivities like everyone else. I therefore have started on my gift list, bought (if not written) my cards, made a couple of extra dishes for the freezer to just pull out for reheating after some hectic shopping days, and vetted many of the mail-order catalogues (that have been arriving since August!) for some original and fun ideas.

Sadly many of them don’t hit the originality spot and many aren’t suitable for the post-op wls patient. I could solve many of my gift-giving dilemmas if everyone could tolerate chocolate, candy, alcohol and rich cake! So this year I am getting out of the armchair and from behind the desk to see what some of the independent/boutique-style and non-chain producers have to offer. So I am going to the Spirit of Christmas Fair (see details below) which promises to have many enticing, stylish and unique products on show. I have already ear-marked some producers of delectable treats that are certainly bariatric-friendly (teas and mustards for starters).

Top of my list for attention is to find some special small advent gifts for my wooden advent house (a special purchase from Fortnum & Mason to myself) which I hope will become a family heirloom. I didn’t opt for the version with sweets and candies inside for the usual reasons, so have to find myself (and others) some small, enticing and inexpensive gifts for behind those doors. I’m thinking along the lines of a special tree bauble, mini soap, sachet of special tea, minature mustard, lip balm etc and hope the Fair will have plenty to offer.