The ‘C’ Word

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Our resident blogger Lucy Young @_Oceancityliving takes a trip to the Barbican to begin her Christmas shopping. 

Someone had to mention it. The ‘C’ word…it either makes you shudder with dread or squeal with delight. And I’m someone who doesn’t normally get excited or even start thinking about Christmas (there, I said it) until the Halloween pumpkins are chucked on the compost heap and the fizzled out Bonfire Night fireworks are retrieved from the garden.

But this year just feels different. It’s fair to say that 2020 has been a tough year for everyone and I think some extra Christmas sparkle is just what people need right now to get through the dark winter ahead. I have a feeling that the neighbourhood twinkling lights will go up sooner than ever to brighten up the gloom and spread a little festive cheer to see out the year and boy, do we need it.

So I joined the (socially distanced, rule of six) party and made a start before the half term holiday has even ended. But seriously, there are plenty of other good reasons to start thinking about Christmas shopping a little earlier this year.

No one enjoys that panic of rushing around the shops an hour before closing on Christmas Eve because you’ve left all your shopping until the last minute. If you shop early, you’ll avoid any unnecessary stress which we could all do without at the moment. With lockdown starting throughout the UK from this Thursday (5 November) you’ll still be able to shop locally online, and get your presents sorted and wrapped in time for Christmas.

Most people will also have to tighten their belts and budget hard for their Christmas spending this year, so if you start early you can spread the cost over a few months too. And whilst it might be tempting to buy everything online from certain one-stop-shop websites, I think it’s more important than ever to support local businesses and explore the wealth of independent shops and traders on our doorstep in Plymouth. Why not make your shopping pounds count by putting back into our local economy this year instead?

With all that in mind, I headed out on a blustery October morning to get my first Christmas fix along the Barbican’s Southside Street. A browse in the shop windows quickly told me that I’m not the only one with Christmas already on their mind. Alongside the Halloween cobwebs and witches hats in some shop displays I spied beautiful handblown baubles in Glass!! as well as artisan crafted decorations in 45 Southside gallery.

I like to buy locally designed Christmas cards for family that live up country and found some perfect ones of Plymouth landmarks by artist Sarah Smalldon in Rockpool Trading. With a few people to post gifts to early on, I also bought some festive flavoured bars from Kernow Chocolate and a gorgeous pomegranate scented candle from South Devon based Mewstone Candle Company. I’ve also got my eye on the beautiful handmade lamps and shades from Gosh and Absolutely. Their repurposed spirit bottle bases and retro fabric shades would make great gifts for friends.

Across the road in Rowbury Gallery the Christmas decs were out in force and I couldn’t resist a seafaring Santa in his fishing boat, complete with fairy lights, for our tree. Rowbury also had some lovely Christmas patterned coasters and linen tea towels by designer Sophie Allport and some alternative festive wreaths made out of pretty shells, perfect for Plymouth homes who like a nod to the nautical.

Although a big Christmas lights switch on can’t happen this year on the waterfront due to Covid 19 restrictions on gatherings taking place, I’m told that some traders on the Barbican have coordinated their shop window lights, thanks to Ian from Glass!!, despite shops having to close lights will still be on for you to enjoy whilst out enjoying the fresh air.

The gorgeous smell from Roly’s Fudge Pantry was wafting halfway up the street by now so I couldn’t leave without a small(ish) bag of something sweet. I happily discovered that they also deliver nationwide, so some Plymouth Sloe Gin and Berry crumbly goodness will be winging its way to someone special in my life soon (I’m obviously not saying who!)

With my first festive purchases in hand and full of inspiration, I thought a little sustenance was needed to go home and write up my list for St. Nick. Well, it’d be rude not to.

 

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Funded by the Reopening High Street Safely Fund, part funded by the European Regional Development Fund and HM Government