Festive season all about organisation for big family
“Shopping local, not only supports small businesses and gives back to the community, it also makes a substantial economic impact in our region,” she said.
Nationally retailers are hopeful for strong Christmas trade. Deloitte’s 2018 Retailers’ Christmas Survey shows 80 per cent of retailers across the country are expecting higher sales this festive season.
Deloitte’s retail, wholesale and distribution group leader David White said the optimism wasn't unfounded.
“Broadly speaking, our retailers are optimistic,” he said.
“The overall market has performed relatively well in 2018 and, in spite of competitive and economic challenges, they appear to be carrying this optimism forward into the Christmas trading period.” DANAELLA WIVELL REBECCA Payne Australia’s most women.
The mum of six has bought, wrapped and stashed Christmas presents for her children and is now relaxing until December 25 rolls around.
But getting the perfect gifts for her children, who are aged between 1 and 12, means start- is one of organised ing early. “I started shopping in May this year,” she said.
“I love buying things for my kids, but while some parents will just give their children new toys or clothes straight away, I’m happy to stash them.”
Mrs Payne said it took the pressure off her wallet when she spaced out the purchases.
“I try to incorporate the things that they need into their Christmas gifts. My son needs a laptop for school, so that’s one of his gifts,” she said.
“I’ll spend about $1000 each on the oldest kids, but then the younger kids have different needs so I’ll probably spend about $100 on the one-yearold.”
But the biggest challenge for the Payne family is Boxing Day.
“Christmas morning is chaotic; it’s a sea of paper about a foot and a half deep across the whole living room,” she said.
“It’s not excessive when you look at each child individually — they have two gifts each and a stocking of smaller presents. I had to cap it, but that’s still 12 gifts just for the kids.
“On Boxing Day, we have to take the ute to the tip with all of the wrapping paper and the boxes. It sounds wasteful, but that’s just what we have to do.”