Time is running out. No, I’m not talking about the “cliff,” I’m
telling you there are only 10 days left for Christmas shopping.
I ask you, which is more important?
Christmas
shopping has just about gotten out of control. First, it
was “Black Friday,” which actually began on
Wednesday, with a little time out on Thursday to have a turkey
dinner. For many, as soon as dinner was over, it was time to
dash back to the shopping lines to get in on one of the “priced
the lowest of the year” sales.
Lines
were long as people waited for doors to open and there was
some pushing and shoving. A television crew caught a
chilling moment. One shopper, near the front of the line
turned and
shouted, “If you don’t stop pushing, I’m
gonna cut one of you -----.” I’m sure that incident
made many of those in line wonder why they were there. Was
it the thrill of saving a few dollars? Was it to buy something
not even needed? Perhaps it was just to say they shopped on
Black Friday — in an angry crowd of people.
As
I viewed reports the next day, I was assured I made the right
decision. had stayed home, snuck into the kitchen
for
a second piece of homemade pumpkin pie, relaxed with
friends and neighbors then off — to bed, not the mall.
I had enjoyed sitting around chatting over a glass of eggnog,
and
the second piece of pie was even better than the first.
Best of all, I suffered no threats to my life. Oh yes,
one neighbor
did threaten to have another eggnog but passed on that
when he saw the ice cream.
Some
of our guests were up and at ’em early the
next morning to join the Black Friday sales and came
home later
with a car full of items so the early sales did not
produce a sell out. Cyber Monday was just as crazy for those
who opted for shopping online. Pat spent hours trying
to get
her order
placed and did not even receive a confirmation. After
having to follow up, she learned the order was on its
way. When
it arrived in two separate boxes that were torn and
held
together
with tape (obviously put on by the shipper), there
were no packing slips enclosed. She was able to determine
the amount
spent however because the charge was expediently placed
on her credit card.
I’m happy to say there is still plenty of merchandise
for sale in the stores. If you watch the ads closely, you will
find prices lower than the “rock bottom” Black
Friday sale prices.
I
have a question that we all ask this time of year, “What
would you like for Christmas?” The most popular answer
from those of us past the “Go tell Santa” age seems
to be a gift card from a favorite store. I suppose giving a
gift card is OK but it seems to take a lot of the fun out of
Christmas shopping. It makes me wonder if my taste in gifts
is not appreciated. If I can’t find the particular card
requested, I’m out of luck and may not be able to send
a gift. I don’t want to give them something they wouldn’t
like.
Oops,
that sounded like I’m losing the “spirit” of
Christmas. Speaking of the spirit, as I see it, there seems
to be less bickering about holiday displays and Christmas music
and greetings. They are not challenged as much. Do you suppose
we may be learning to live together better? Wouldn’t
that be something to celebrate this holiday season?
Is
it just me that enjoys the decorations and light displays
plus the good wishes they are
sent with?
Although some
are still offended by the “Merry Christmas” wish, I’m
sure it is offered with a joyous intent. No
matter your religion, race or beliefs, that
wish is
still the most
popular and
heartfelt wish offered in the USA, so take
pleasure in giving and receiving
it.