Residents thronged shopping malls and pastry shops over the weekend as Christmas fever gripped the city. There was a rush of customers to buy clothes, toys and gifts, besides goodies like cakes, doughnuts and other sweets ahead of the festival this week. “Christmas shopping is always exciting and a stressful event, especially with kids. Apart from shopping, there is also so much to be done, like wrapping gifts and sending cards,” said Christine Paul, a mother of two children. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more crowds of people are seen at shopping malls. While malls are wonderful spots to go to, some people also try out other stores that may not be getting as big crowds. Brand name and chain stores usually get the biggest crowds. Shopping for gifts for relatives and friends is one of the highlights of this season of goodwill and love. “Christmas would not be complete if we do not give gifts to relatives. Because of its importance, people put so much time and effort into it that inadvertently it also puts some pressure on them as well. Finding the right gift for loved ones is not as easy as it looks. Many people believe that what we give to them mirrors our attitude towards them. Therefore, it is important that we find the right gift that they will love and cherish,” said Orlando, who works for a music store. Christmas is an exciting and fun time for the family, but it can also be stressful. This is because everyone is always at the stores looking to get a head start on their Christmas shopping. With Christmas just around the corner, coping with the peculiar pressures of this special time of the year is a task in itself. “The key to a relaxing Christmas is to ensure that you leave plenty of time to buy the presents, decorate the house and do all your shopping. But it’s that we don’t do this,” said Jenny Daniel, a housewife. An employee at a private firm still waiting to shop said, “I have not done my Christmas shopping yet, as I have not found enough free time. Christmas cards are another great way to send that special message to someone, and usually the seasonal greeting card stalls are filled with customers. “Despite the large crowd, I enjoy purchasing and sending greeting cards to my family and friends, said Nazreen Mohamed. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=Local%5FNews&subsection=Qatar+News&month=December2008&file=Local_News200812212487.xml

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