There can be no more frustrating time of the year than those leading up to and coming down from Christmas and the New Year period. The shops – all the major supermarkets and department stores have bought in to the Christmas package big time and we get the ame old pop songs churned out year on year. In fact they sound so familiar now that they’re almost at carol status. One thing I have noted this year was the number of folk opting for online shopping – maybe for the sheer convenience and ease of choosing goods and possibly to get away from this pre packaged santa overload. The wide choice of products and services available online are so much better than in the shops at the moment and not having to find and pay for parking is another big winner. I like looking for individual and unusual items for family – they no longer want the run of the mill shop stock. A beautiful piece of hand made stained glass to adorn a mantle piece will be cherished for ever.