‘Tis the Season to be . . . Shopping

 

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 1^st.

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.