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Welcome to Amateur Season
Love mail order

That's right folks, this week is the pinnacle of Amateur's Season, a time when the people who pass most of the year glued to the sofa watching 'Stenders instead paint the pavements with puke and party hats.

Really, honestly, it's better to stay in from now until January and re-emerge when it's easier to get served at the bar. If, however, you want to have a life between now and Christmas, you have to think tactically to avoid The Amateurs:
1. Think Other Cultures' food. Especially those who refuse to join in - think hardcore non-Santastic - like Pakistan, Eritrea or Malaysia. I have a Malaysian restaurant just up the road from me that won't allow alcohol in the door, where they mutter about 'unbelievers' if you so much as hum a Christmas Carol. Great food, too.
2. Think Sport. Even gyms have annoying Christmas carols oozing, so try swimming. And if you see anyone swimming in a Santa hat - drown them.
3. Think Art. David Teniers and The Theatre of Painting at The Courtauld Institute of Art should restore some propriety to your world.

Now all you have to is sort out those last minute presents. Relax, there is thing called Internet Shopping, and these retailers guarantee to deliver before Christmas:

albam clothing - order by Wed Dec 20
Amazon - 6pm Fri Dec 22 by express
ASOS.com - 2pm Thur Dec 21
Bread & Honey - 5:30pm Wed Dec 20
Browns Fashion - 1pm Sat Dec 23 (London only)
DoorOne - Wed Dec 20
Firebox - 3pm Tues Dec 19
John Lewis -3pm Wed Dec 20
Lastminute.com - 12pm Thur Dec 21
Matches - Wed Dec 20
Net-a-Porter - 10am Sun Dec 24 (London only)
Paul Smith - Tues Dec 19
Play.com - Tues Dec 19
Topshop - Wed Dec 20

by SOC
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