Unlike the usual desertion on Sundays, the streets of Valletta were buzzing with activity yesterday, as people shopped to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones.

The shops along Republic Street and those within the shopping complexes in the capital city were flocked, as eager shoppers zeroed in on the present that would make their partner, parent or friend’s face light up with glee.

Set against the background of Christmas carols blaring out of the along Valletta’s main road, women were seen carrying a few bags as their husbands trotted behind them, loaded with the majority of the loot.

Families also herded the streets, children in tow, to make most of the fact that the shops were open on Sunday. Republic Day is usually the one public holiday that sees people come out of the woodwork to start their Christmas shopping. But due to the heavy rainfall last Tuesday, people had to settle for the last Sunday before Christmas to buy most of their gifts.

Parking in the centre of Valletta yesterday morning was as difficult as it usually is during the week, which shows the large number of people who visited the capital.

Clothes shops seemed to be the most popular venues, as girls and women looked to find the perfect outfit for the festive season. Their male counterparts inevitably hovered at the doorways of the shops, although a few would eventually be dragged in by a cry from the changing rooms for an opinion.

As the cashiers dealt with the long queues of people waiting to pay for their purchases, the question of whether business was successful seemed redundant. The cashiers spoken to in shops in the centre of Valletta, all said people had been pouring in all morning.

As every year, toys are always at the top of the list for any parent with young children. A toyshop owner explained that much like last year, Barbie toys still feature high on little girls’ wish list.

For the boys, the demand for Spiderman toys in the run-up to Christmas has been so high that most shops are out of stock, but will be replenishing their supply today.

Barney playthings are also very popular and have flown off the shelves during this festive season.

At Christmas, people pull out all the stops to make sure they buy their friends and family something they will truly enjoy. With this in mind, the importance of shopping takes on new meaning and is given a tinge of altruism.