Now, we have all become accustomed to retailers "sneaking" in holiday items onto their shelves beginning in October. Then, in the last few years, stores began opening earlier and earlier on black Friday, otherwise known as the day after Thanksgiving, some had opening times like two or three in the morning! But Walmart seems to push the retail envelope first. They tend to be the first retailer to open super early, and in fact, were open last year ON Thanksgiving...which I find downright ridiculous. Let your staff be at home with their families for goodness sakes. If people want to shop on turkey day, they can do so ONLINE from the comfort of a La-zy-boy in their living room. Reopen on Friday, at a more decent time like 7:00a.m., for those that feel the need to be trampled and jostled at a mall, while buying a 50 inch TV for $59.99 (look for the flashing blue light folks!). No thank you.
Why the rush???? Fighting for every available dollar I guess.
Well...not me. Count me out.
Oh, don't get me wrong. I like shopping. I like seeing the pretty holiday decorations. I enjoy watching the children visit with Santa in his "workshop", usually near a food court or the merry-go-round, or whatever is the center of your local mall. But I do 90% of my holiday shopping online. At three in the morning, when other post-menopausals are up because they can't get back to sleep. It all comes to me, usually free shipping, via our nice UPS or FedEx person. I don't have to fight for a parking space two acres from the mall, I don't have to deal with rude or obnoxious retail amateurs, and I don't overspend, surprisingly enough.
Of course, I do venture out to do some shopping in stores, but they are the small, mom and pop places in our town. It is nice to go in to a boutique or specialty store and chat with the owners about the holidays, what merchandise they offer, and just plain visit. That type of experience "feels" like holiday shopping...not the mass market, seeing the 'earlier and earlier in the store' displays, and people just seeming so frantic because there is a SALE!
I used to be one those people...the ones who shop in the mall on black Friday, had all of the holiday cards done by the beginning of November, started my craft projects weeks and weeks before Christmas, and had the house 'hosed' down in decorations and poinsettias! And I was a smuggy-smugster about it too. I would let everyone know...oh yes, I was "done" with my holiday preparations I'd say. But that was wrong of me. If I did that to you, my loved ones, I am truly sorry. Christmas is not about the prep, or the gifts, or the mall, or any of it. It is about being with those you love and care about....even if you are not able to be together in one place.
So now I still shop for the family, with a budget in mind, with thought and purpose, though I do like getting the little ones toys...well just because.
I hope I don't sound "Grinch-y" about the holidays because I'm not really. I feel like corporate America has made the season, well, just not fun anymore. It's only about how early they can grab your money....and if you buy earlier and earlier you'll spend more because there are more of those "sales" right???
So amid all the hustle and bustle, and jostle and pushing, card writing and cookie baking, or whatever your preparation and celebration, remember this, in the words of the venerable Barbara Walters, "...take some time to enjoy the view..."
Postscript..
Okay after all of 'that'...I did order ONE holiday thing waaaaaayy early. I bought a handmade Santa to add to my collection...din't judge...he's a handsome fellow just waiting to join the other guys! But not until after we've enjoyed our turkey day dinner. Adieu mes amis!
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