How to sleigh your Christmas shopping this year (and keep COVID-safe)
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Unlike for Santa, getting the Christmas shopping done and presents sorted takes a whole lot more than making a list and checking it twice.
There’s not only the mammoth task of trying to figure out what to get everyone, but then there’s battling the Christmas shopping crowds, and running the gauntlet that is trying to get a carpark in December. Add in all of the other festivities, catch-ups and events that come with this time of year, and it makes for a less than jolly job.
And this year, there’s a whole extra layer to think about. As we all know, shopping has changed a bit since the Christmas decorations went up in the shopping centres this time last year.
So how does one get the Christmas list ticked off while still keeping safe (and keeping Canberra safe in the process)? Here are some shopping tips for a Chrissy that’s merry, bright and COVID Safe:
Ho Ho Hop to it
Are you one of those people who always has your Christmas shopping done, presents wrapped and everything tied up in a neat bow before December 1? This tip doesn’t concern you—keep on reading (also, what are your secrets?). For everyone else, you probably always toy with the idea of getting the Christmas shopping done early but all of a sudden it’s December 17 and you haven’t even started.
Well if there was a year to crank up the organisation, it’s this year. By getting in early and staggering your shopping, you’ll help avoid the crowds, which is easier to do the further out from Christmas you get. Which brings us to the next point:
Make friends with Black Friday
If you need encouragement to get organised early, how about some whopping savings? One of the best times of the year to grab a bargain these days is the Black Friday sales, which are just a week away. So now is the time to get working on that shopping list quick smart. Who can really resist a great deal and slashing the price of your Christmas shopping?
These sales can also (understandably) attract big crowds though, so try using methods of shopping that minimise contact like click and collect or buying online.
If you decide to brave the shops in person, make sure you keep up your physical distancing from other groups and regularly wash your hands or use hand sanitiser—it not only helps businesses remain open, but helps keep patrons, workers and the community COVID Safe.
Treat yo’elf by shopping safe
We’re always big advocates for shopping local, and this year more than ever businesses are doing it tough, so don’t forget to support local where you can. If you know what you’re after, plenty of shops offer Click and Collect services, where you may not even have to get out of the car.
Tap into this and you can avoid the crowds altogether and keep contact down to a bare minimum.
And don’t forget that Santa-tiser
Just like Santa has his sack, this year when you’re heading to the shops you should pack your own bag of tricks.
Your best bet when you’re going to the shops is to pack some tissues. And as always, keep your trusty hand sanitiser on you, and wash your hands regularly while you’re out and about.
And if you’re going to a venue while you’re out, make sure you have the Check In CBR app open and ready to go on your phone for easy check-in.
If the venue is not using the Check In CBR app, then check-in by whatever means the venues is using. While you’re there, do your bit by following all public health advice and respecting the instructions of the businesses you visit.
It’s still not the time to ignore that sniffle
As always, do not go out if you feel unwell, even with the mildest of symptoms. If you start to experience any COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, a runny or blocked nose), get tested immediately and stay at home until you get a negative test result and your symptoms resolve.
Follow all these steps and you’ll help keep Canberra safe and strong so we can all keep enjoying the things we love and celebrate the festive period together.
