Shopping and the Gender Divide

I am beginning to worry slightly that people will imagine me to be obsessed with the festive season, but really, it’s only because it is so prevalent at this time of year. Normal service will resume in January.

As someone who is a bit of a hermit, and doesn’t really do shopping for the rest of the year, December is always a bit of a trek for me. All of a sudden I am forced to roam the aisles to the accompaniment of jingling bells and Mariah Carey. One thing that does amaze me about Christmas every year is the presents, and the sheer diversity, creativity and uselessness of them.

I have a single older brother, who I find myself browsing for among the shelves of grey/blue/silver gift sets. I must admit to perhaps being a little selfish and thinking some of the items I buy him would look MUCH nicer in my possession. To save myself from this guilt I do what’s right and look at the girl’s presents in the pink/purple boxes to predict what might be waiting under the tree for me. I am utterly disgusted.

Why would I want the items in the pink boxes? Useless, drab and covered in fluff. And yet I must resign myself, due to my gender, to these items, year after year.

Maybe if I came out, people might buy me the silver boxed gadgets?
Mum…..