Louise Moody feels a frisson of excitement as she gazes at the beautifully wrapped gift bearing her name beneath the Christmas tree.
For come Christmas morning she knows there ll be none of the old dread that her presents might be ill-fitting clothes, shoes she doesn t like, or even a vacuum cleaner like one a friend s husband once treated her to.
Because three years ago Louise, 47, put a stop to feigned delight. Now, opening her festive gifts is, she says, utterly thrilling.
Why? Because she buys them for herself and with some style. Her first to me, from me gift was a 1.78-carat aqua blue diamond and platinum ring costing £4,500 for Christmas 2017.