’Tis the season for online clicking and last minute dashes into over-heated shops.

The Examiner asked Strand Street shoppers how far along they are in their festive shopping and whether they have depended on the internet and postal service more than local shops this year.

Rory Murphy, a 31-year-old from Port St Mary, has already ticked off all items on his Christmas shopping list.

’I’m all organised,’ he said. ’I start thinking about Christmas before my Dad’s birthday and get it done before November. Working in retail has also helped me plan ahead, as I’ve seen desperate people buying things towards the end.

Rory explained that he buys most of his presents online.

’Amazon is a lot better, but I do go to Boots for their deals.’

Nineteen-year-old Lucy Collins said: ’I order a few things online because it’s easier to get it delivered.’

The Douglas resident uses the internet to get gift ideas, but later buys them in town.

’Once the late-night shopping begins, I like to go into town because it’s festive. However, it can sometimes be hard to get around.’

Peel resident Pearl Rycroft, 52, is ’not quite there yet’ with her shopping and is ’ waiting for pay day’.

Her daughter, Rachel Rycroft, 17, added that it was a struggle choosing presents, but finds it easier to select things in town rather than online.

’It’s hard to know what to get people,’ she said.

’I get more expensive presents depending on who I’m buying for, like my boyfriend.

Her mother let out a gasp of disbelief.

’...and Mum and Dad,’ Rachel smiled sheepishly.

Her friend, Emily Todd, 17, from Douglas, who was also shopping with the pair said: ’I go into town to shop for clothes, accessories and other little bits for Christmas.’

Nick Preskey, 56, who lives in Tromode, was on his way to buy a gift for his wife when he was stopped by the Examiner.

’I come into town for the essential presents, but try to avoid shopping if I can. It’s a bit of a male thing,’ he laughed.

’My wife usually buys the gifts at Christmas time.

’She goes to Strand Street or Tynwald Mills to shop.

’We’re at that age where we try to support the local community. Of course, there are temptations to go via the internet,’ he said.

Ramsey couple Catherine and John Bradbury, both aged 59, have been busy buying presents for their children, grandchildren and other family members. Some of whom live in the UK.

’We’re very ready and prepared for Christmas,’ said Catherine.

’We’ve not got any turkey though,’ John reminded his wife.

’Well, we’re yet to get a few things for our Christmas dinner, but we’ve bought our presents.’

When asked where they have bought their gifts, Catherine replied: ’Most of it has been bought online, especially from John Lewis.

’We come into town for little bits, which is nice because there are a lot of friendly people around, but there’s not much choice here.’

John added: ’It’s social, but there’s not actually a lot you can buy here.’

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