Highgate Village is getting ready for Christmas. The lights are up and the Christmas shop windows are looking absolutely gorgeous!

But Christmas shopping is a nightmare for me! I know. I know. Everyone is in the same boat at this time of year – but as well as my usual busy schedule – this time of year sees extra community Christmas events, local groups’ celebrations and visits to fit in. So with no evenings and weekends to fall back on – I diarise a few half days in December for my shopping. Inevitably these get eaten away – in fact the first one which was scheduled for December 7th has already fallen prey to a debate in Parliament on terrorism – and of course, work comes first.

So when the last few frantic days before Christmas arrive, I have never finished (sometimes barely scratched the surface of) my present buying. That is when I thank my lucky stars for living in Highgate! The shops are just wonderful – and there have been years when I have done most of my shopping there.

I get my turkey from Phyllis at the Highgate Butchers – so long as I remember to order it in time (not always the case). My personal cards and Christmas wrapping paper are from Le Chocolatier – as are the chocolates that I take around to various places. I buy most of the books that I give from Highgate Bookshop. I get some of my Christmas drink from Oddbins. Nawar and Walter Castellazzo are my last chance hotels for gifts. Raj in the corner shop has always been there – even on Christmas Day – when I discover the things I have forgotten to buy; last year it was lemons! Of course Bailey & Saunders can be relied on for really last minute smellies. The Highgate Society and the Highgate Literary and Scientific Institute Christmas Craft fairs always deliver a couple of creative pieces. And of course – no Christmas would be complete without my Christmas tags from the Oxfam Shop.

And not forgetting the shops on the Archway Road. My dog expects! So I go down to what used to be Pet – but now has added a vet. Papa Del’s and Indian Chef are the take-aways that keep us going until the day itself. The art shop has gone – but I did pop into the new flower shop that has taken its place. It is just beautifully done.

All the shops (including the ones I haven’t had space to mention) on Archway Road and in Highgate Village put on a good Christmas spread. We are lucky to have such a fine selection to choose from – not to mention Christmas Carols in Pond Square and the almost unrivalled and multitudinous selection of public houses and restaurants that grace this area.

So have a Happy Highgate Christmas!