No going out needed: Barnabas choosing Christmas tree decorations as daughters Jasmine Natasha Wong (left) and Cheryl Nadia describe what they want.
KOTA KINABALU: Last-minute Christmas shopping can be chaotic, but not for 39-year-old Emmy Jane Barnabas.
Her gifts are already sorted and ready, thanks to online shopping.
“It is easy and hassle-free. No queues at counters, no traffic jams... everything is at my fingertips,” said the mother of six.
This marks the third year of online shopping – a habit she picked up during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
“During and after the pandemic, everyone was cautious. Since I have young children, I did not want to risk going out.
“But at the same time, I did not want my family to miss Christmas, so I did the next best thing: online shopping,” she said.
Barnabas plans her shopping months in advance, purchasing gifts in stages.
“That way, I can spread out the spending.
“I also buy in bulk to save on delivery costs, and sometimes, there are discounts by buying more. The hard part is hiding the gifts from my family. I still want it to be a surprise,” she said.
With Christmas less than 10 days away, Barnabas only needs a few more items to complete the celebration.
“Christmas tree decorations are always new. I enjoy picking those out with my children and letting them handle the decor. I also let them choose the theme,” she said.
However, Barnabas admitted she still misses conventional shopping.
“I save that for buying groceries and ingredients for our Christmas meals.
“It’s best done with my sisters, who come home for the holidays. We go out together, each contributing a dish to the menu.
“It has also become a tradition – we plan the dishes and shop for the ingredients together. It is always a fun time for us,” she said.
While Barnabas enjoys the convenience of online shopping, Stephanie Laura Joannes, 35, prefers the touchable experience of physical stores.
“Maybe the selection is limited compared with online shopping, but at least you know exactly what you are buying,” said the civil servant.
Joannes learned this the hard way when an online purchase did not go as planned.
“One Christmas, I ordered a dress for my daughter, but it arrived a size too small.
“The holiday was too close to return it, so I bought another outfit and gave the smaller one to my niece,” she said.
Now, Joannes sticks to in-store shopping for clothing.
“I like buying practical gifts, so they do not go to waste or become outdated,” she said, adding that she starts her gift collection months in advance.
For Lena Patrick, another shopper, the joy of the season lies in family gatherings, not the price or origin of gifts.
While shopping at a thrift store, the housewife, who is in her 40s, was selecting outfits for her family.
“Some may see these as second-hand goods, but for us, they are as good as new.
“Sometimes, you can find branded items in great condition for a fraction of the price. I once found a beautiful branded leather bag here.
“It does not matter where the gift comes from. What matters is being together,” Patrick added.
Whether through the ease of online clicks or the satisfaction of store aisles, these shoppers prove that Christmas is not about the chaos. It is about thoughtful gifts and cherished traditions.
