Open Writing

It’s always the same. Whenever I want to buy a present I seem to make a mess of it. Take last year. I bought my wife a lovely gold necklace, but when I gave it to her she said I’d spent too much money! My daughter wasn’t much better. I bought her some perfume and she said she didn’t like the smell. Why are kids so ungrateful? I’d been tempted not to get either of them anything this year. But, of course, I did. They’re already wrapped and well out of sight.

I’ve still got a few presents to get, and I’m running out of time. One in particular is bothering me, ‘cos I’ve no idea what will be suitable. Anyway, I’m going to get something today and take it round myself. Then, if it’s no good, maybe I can swap it later.

Of course, I’m not the only one who’s left it till the last minute. The road is very busy tonight and I’m getting delayed. I’m due to meet a couple of mates later too. They’ll not be pleased if I keep them waiting. They’re both a bit on the impatient side, and I’ll get a right telling-off if I’m late. So, I’ll try to speed up a bit and get down to the market as quickly as possible. On the way I can work out what to get for the people I still haven’t bought anything for.

I can get Ruth some perfume. I know she’ll be grateful ‘cos I got her some last year and she liked it. Then I can get David something for his new house. He was saying only the other day that the living room looked a bit bare. But that still leaves …

Look out! Another traveller going much too fast cut right across, and I had to take hurried evasive action. Honestly, it’s bad enough normally, but at the moment everybody seems to have taken leave of their senses!

Now where was I? Oh yes, deciding on the last two or three presents. Most of the stuff is sure to have been bought up now. Still, at a meeting the other day Paul actually said shopping at the last minute was an advantage. When all the ordinary goodies are gone you end up buying something rare and unusual. Makes it look as though you’ve taken extra trouble and tried to think of something out-of-the -ordinary. I’m not sure that he’s right, but it’s a line I can take if anybody looks as though they’re going to turn their noses up at what I’ve got them.

Anyway, I can see the market place up ahead, so I’d better make my mind up soon!. On the other hand, I could just go in and see what there is. That’s not a bad idea – isn’t it called impulse buying? Right , it’s in the lap of the Gods. I’ll go into the very first shop I see and not leave till I’ve got something.

Five minutes later I ‘m out again. Before mounting my camel, I put the packet of myrrh into my saddle bag and set off to meet Melchior and Caspar. And I’m not even late!