RETAIL is a tough business to be in but this is the one time of the year when most shops have no trouble attracting customers.
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As anyone who’s just making a start on their Christmas shopping will tell you, all of the car parks in Orange are overloaded and the streets are heaving with shoppers armed with bags of Christmas goodies.
At a time when online shopping is eating into the livelihood of most traditional retailers, it’s good to see Orange shopkeepers getting their fair share of the Christmas dollar, particularly the independent stores.
While retailers and small children might be jumping for joy about the festive season, there are many of us who are battling to cope with the stress it brings.
Lots of people find it hard to make ends meet throughout the year and haven’t adequately budgeted for the extra financial pressure the silly season brings.
Each year children’s expectations seem to rise, with expensive gadgets and brand clothing only adding to the pressure most parents feel.
Family gatherings can also prove tense as people reconnect with family members they haven’t seen in months or even years.
According to the CEO of family counselling organisation Interrelate Patricia Occelli there are several ways to prevent stress including acknowledging the fact that arguments can start very easily at this time of year.
Ms Occelli said above all people should try to keep their emotions in check and strive to make Christmas a time of celebration and happiness, especially when there are children involved.
She suggests people avoid topics which may end up in arguments and just feel joy in the prospect of families and friends reconnecting.
Long after the presents are unwrapped and the credit card is overdrawn, Christmas will be remembered for the laughter and love it brought with it.