Thursday, December 23, 2004

My annual shop day

Every year, when Christmas draws very near, I spend most of a day shopping.  Now this may not seem like a big deal to most folks, but I don't drive.  I really am not a "shopper" by nature, either.  And I'm used to getting my shopping done as quickly as possible because Cliff is usually waiting patiently in the car.

But around Christmas every year, Cliff takes me to Independence Center, lets me out, and leaves me for six to eight hours.  I love the people-watching, and I like browsing to my heart's content.  I like to peer over the rail at the kids down below, playing in the play area.

When I arrived this morning before 10 AM, it wasn't so big a crowd.  But by afternoon, the place was teeming with humanity on all levels.

The line of kids waiting to see Santa was unbelievable, and most of the kids obviously would rather have been someplace else.

I realize this picture's blurry, but see that big Christmas tree up there?  That's where Santa sits on his throne, and the line of kids that disappears at the lower left of the picture goes on further back than it shows.

I had all my shopping done already, but of course I found a few last-minute bargains.  Tis the season.

When Cliff came to get me, the parking lot was completely filled and police were directing traffic on the road outside the mall.  Cliff was Scrooge, personified; he hadn't had an easy time getting to our meeting place.  Oh well, Christmas comes but once a year.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Against my better judgement, I went to the mall for a little bit today. It was a zoo <LOL>

Happy Holidays to you and yours, and may your New Year be Bright and Shiny!
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Anonymous said...

I did last minute shopping also. I went to McGonicles old fashioned original grocery store, walked in the door and was at the end of a line that stretched all around the store to the meat counter. All in all, it was a great time and I noticed that most of the women dealt with it  much better than the silly men who came in and said: What the heck am I supposed to do? duhhh! After an hour and 10 minutes I was on my way. I hope my family enjoys that wonderful beef Christmas dinner. Merry Christmas Mo....sure has been fun getting to know you.   Anne

Anonymous said...

I've been behind in Christmas shopping this year worse than usual.  But, I've gotten it completed today as well.  I went out this morning around 11:00 a.m. and came back around 4:00 p.m..  I made the mistake of stopping at the Christian Book Store.  I can never get out of there without spening more than I planned, but I just lose myself in there and love to browse and before you know it, I'm spending money I didn't plan on.  I love the hustle and bustle when I've got alot of energy, but shopping this year has been very tiring for me.  I may go back tomorrow anyway.  I know it will be crowded, but there's just something about being in the shopping center on Christmas Eve.  Thanks for letting me share!  Sam

Anonymous said...

I don't blame Cliff for being a Scrooge after trying to navigate through all that mess.  I hope you got him something really special for Christmas!!  

Anonymous said...

My husband likes shopping with me. But once in awhile I prefer going by myself, for the same reasons you do. I love watching people, having opportunity to perhaps linger a little longer in one store. I like choosing a place to eat and being alone. Helps me view things differently, kind of stretches my comfort zone. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. *Barb*
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