It's my life: Tric Kearney

HELP! It’s that time of year when the world goes shopping mad. 

Sadly, in order to receive presents myself, I must shop for others, including my children who demand more than a gift voucher. As I moan daily they advise me to, ‘make a list’. This is a most unhelpful piece of advice; given the fact I hate lists. On occasions, however, I have no choice but to write one, usually when I’m desperate, which roughly translates to once a year, at Christmas.

It doesn’t always mean all goes well though. Take last Christmas for example. It was coming ever closer to the big day and I was greatly enjoying the atmosphere with decorations, fires by night and scented cinnamon candles, while actively avoiding all shops or talk of presents. Yet thoughts of shopping were seeping into my subconscious, turkey...stuffing...presents...wrapping paper. The clock was ticking and I couldn’t ignore it forever.