Christmas Shopping for 'big kids'.

Is it only me or is Christmas shopping really an absolute NIGHTMARE with the 'big' kids? I do realise that my children are very much now, NOT children, but I still want to do my best and get the desired requisites for the festive season for the not so child-like children.
Earlier tonight I ventured into town (Derry) with my two youngest sons (now aged 17 and 21). There was the usual hustle and bustle about what exactly we were looking for and the said kiddos did manage to escort me to certain shops which stocked the desired 'shirt' and 'shoes' that will of course be necessary for nights out over the festive period.
There's no such thing now as the bargain buy from Primark or the better quality purchase from Dunnes Stores. Oh no, it's now 'Jack and Jones', 'Next Man' or 'River Island' which must be visited. And there's no seeking out the 'Sale' rail. Heaven forbid! And that's just the Christmas clothes.
Trying to pin the 'big kids' down to a Santa gift is a nightmare. There's the 'I'd like a watch but I'm not sure what kind'. There's the 'I want shoes but I'm not sure where to look'.
And of course when I make a suggestion, it's a frowning, 'no, not that'. So just what is it they want? I've tried and tested all sorts and all to no avail. What would I possibly know? I have no taste, no experience, no idea, and very soon, NO MONEY!
And so it was to McDonalds we headed. As I sat alone, the kids went to order (and they even paid). Whilst waiting for them to deliver, a mother and 3 young boys sat down beside me. The 3 boys were all under ten. I smiled to myself and remembered years gone by when this was me. Those were the days when I could pop into Primark and stock up on clothes, shoes and more. Those were the days when I could sneak into Smyths and buy toys they would love. Those were the days when shopping for Christmas seemed so stressful but in hindsight was so stress-free. I didn't know how lucky I was.
Now I'm ensuring the receipts are all kept. I'm ensuring there are other sizes and makes available in what I buy. I'm ensuring I spend equally on each one (heaven forbid one gets more spent on than the other!)
However, there are added benefits to the shopping for those 'big kids'. As we sat down to eat they told me of their purchase for their Dad. I almost fell over when I heard the cost, but it led me to think that maybe (hopefully) they've spent the same on me!! They bought for Grandad and they bought for girlfriends. Alas there was no mention of Mum, but surely it's there, somewhere!
Maybe I'm trying too hard to please them and forgetting that they are now equally trying to please me and Dad. Maybe they stressed just a little about what to buy us. Or maybe they didn't! But either way, it's a delight that they want to spend their money on us. For the little things I really must be grateful.
For all you Mums of little kids, just enjoy that festive shopping experience. All too soon they will be grown up and be so much harder to buy for. Enjoy the little ones and the little things they appreciate. All too soon it is gone.
Christmas shopping doesn't get easier. It gets more complicated and it gets more expensive. Treasure the early years in life and treasure every single minute as you watch them grow. All too soon it is over. All too soon they are 'big kids'.And all too soon they are spending too!