Lakeside Shopping Centre shoppers give verdict on best time to buy for Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner, decorations are already up and shops are packed with holiday gifts. However, there’s still over a month left until the big day.

We visited the incredible Lakeside Shopping Centre hugely popular with Christmas shoppers to ask regulars if they had begun their festive shopping and when they usually get started. Shoppers shared different views, from early October buys to Black Friday deals.

One elderly couple with red tree decorations in hand has already picked up a few gifts. They said: "We don’t stick to a set date. We start window shopping in early November and have already bought our great-granddaughter a ball pit."

READ MORE: Essex theme park transformed into 'winter wonderland' in time for Christmas

READ MORE: The Primark pyjamas Shrek fans say they 'need' for Christmas

Laura Killicq, who brought her daughter to pick out ornaments, uses half-term holidays to shop. She added: "I let my daughter help with Christmas decor, so half-term is perfect.”

Attia Kanwalq, a Muslim shopper, doesn’t celebrate Christmas in a religious sense but enjoys buying gifts for friends and family. She said: "I love the holiday atmosphere, but people start shopping so early! Personally, I wait for Black Friday to get gifts at great prices."

At Evelyn May House - Runwood Homes Senior Living, staff start shopping early to take elderly residents on Christmas outings. Carer Tyra Pritchard, who was taking resident Dee Rowe on a shopping trip, said: "These trips let residents experience the holiday cheer and escape the home environment."

Dee also expressed her delight in experiencing all the Christmas cheer. Tyra noted that this year’s prices have been a pleasant surprise. She added: “The prices seem really reasonable! I found a large bag for my daughter for just two pounds - a fantastic deal."

Friends Helen Plaine and Ann Dellar, who were doing groceries, already eyed Christmas items, like Rituals products, but they may just buy them online. Helen said: “Unfortunately, they have a much wider selection online. I love coming to the mall for holiday shopping, but you just can’t beat online prices. I hate to say it, but that’s all I’ve done so far for Christmas.”

Ann, who has fewer loved ones to buy for each year, still loves the tradition. She said: "The family is smaller now, and there are fewer kids, but I still enjoy shopping each Christmas."

Finally, Michelle Martorana begins her shopping as soon as October rolls around. She said: "I’m autistic, so I need to start early or it becomes overwhelming.”

She added that because of the cost of living, she has a tighter budget this year, so Michelle has already picked out all the stockings for her three children at discounted prices.

As the holiday season nears, Lakeside shoppers each have their own traditions and timelines for Christmas shopping. From early planners to Black Friday enthusiasts, everyone finds their way to celebrate and prepare for the festivities. Whether influenced by deals, decorations, or family traditions, the spirit of giving is clearly in the air at Lakeside Shopping Centre.