T'is the season to squish through the crowds, desperately trying to find the one Buzz Lightyear out of twelve slightly different models your nephew wants.
It must be the one with flashing laser lights. It must say something about 'Star Command'. It must be made out of about one hundred pieces of plastic. It must be priced at £35 plus. It must require 32 AA batteries that will need replacing every week. It must break by New Year's Day.
Ok, so I'm being a little 'Scrooge-ish'.
But I for one don't particularly enjoy Christmas shopping. Don't get me wrong – I love buying presents, anticipating the look on the recipients' faces when they open them. I'd just prefer not to feel like I've done ten rounds against Mike Tyson by the end of it.
That's why I avoid shopping on a weekend. And I'm lucky – the flexible nature of my work enables me to indulge in a spot of retail therapy during the week every now and then.
But with the majority of us having to work 9 to 5 Monday to Friday, it comes as a great relief that the shops are open in Watford that little bit later over the Christmas period.
Here are those all-important dates and times...
Christmas Opening Times in Watford
Throughout December, intu Watford is open:
Monday to Friday 9-9pm
Saturday’s 9-7pm
Sunday’s 10-5pm
Christmas Eve – 8-5pm
Christmas Day – Closed
Boxing Day - 9-6pm
New Year's Eve 9-5pm
Closed New Year's Day (selected stores open)
Car parking in Watford over Christmas 2014
intu Watford has seven car park with more than 7,500 spaces. Disabled and parent and child spaces are available at all sites and passenger escalators and lifts make visiting Watford town centre simple.
Parking over Christmas starts at just £1 for up to an hour, or if you are planning on spending the day in Watford, seven hours costs £10.
Intu Watford car parking is free Monday to Friday, 6pm to 9pm in the run up to Christmas.
Please note that motorbikes are not permitted in the car parks; motorbikes can be parked free of charge under the spiral on Charter car park exit. Bicycle racks are located on Queens Road, outside Primark.
Further information regarding car parking in Watford can be found by clicking here.
