I was at the mall the other day. It was a Saturday and the mall was busier than
normal. The Christmas shopping season
must really be underway. Some stores
were very busy and others not so yet. I
was in my favourite jewelry store, for a minor watch repair, and it wasn’t busy
at all. The owner said that men were his
main customers at this time of year and they tended to shop later. After all, it was only December 1st.
First man, “Have you
started your Christmas shopping yet?”
Second man, “Why? Is it Christmas Eve already?”
Of course, who knows when Christmas shopping is supposed to
start. Some say in September. Others say right after Thanksgiving. Others say Christmas Eve.
First woman, “I’m so
confused!”
Second woman, “Why?”
First woman, “I don’t
know at which sale to do my Christmas shopping; post-Halloween, pre-Black
Friday, Black Friday, post-Black Friday, Cyber Monday, post-Cyber Monday,
extended Black Friday, pre-Christmas, Christmas, Boxing Day, post-Boxing day,
extended Boxing Day, or early January.”
It seems a sad commentary that the only measure of “success”
of Christmas is whether or not retailers made enough money this year. Why can’t there be other measures like how
many happy family get-togethers there were, how many strangers were greeted by someone
wishing them the best of the season or how many store clerks were made to feel
special for the service they gave. Wouldn’t
it be wonderful if everyone said Merry Christmas and really meant it? Wouldn’t it be fantastic if there really was
peace on earth? Make a stranger feel
happy this season and see how good it makes you feel. And please don’t forget or ignore people of
other beliefs who have holy days at this time of year.
On that note, I sincerely wish everyone a very happy season,
and may your shopping be a happy experience, no matter when you do it. Look for me out on Christmas Eve.
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