Christmas Shopping

A woman that I knew when I was working, is one of the most positive people I have ever met — she could probably make lemonade with no lemons.  She attributed a large part of her attitude to growing up in a large family with many siblings — and her mother insisting that none of them come downstairs in the morning for breakfast unless they were ready to do so with a smile on their face. One year, she told me, she purposely saved all of her Christmas shopping until the day of Christmas Eve.  She wanted to experience being downtown with all the last minute people, going from place to place and making eleventh hour decisions on purchases. This would in no way be my idea of a good time but she reported that it was the most fun she’d ever had looking for presents.  She said that it was wonderful being with the other shoppers in the big department stores and on the streets, wishing everyone Happy Holidays and crossing names off her list. I think of her at this time of year and wonder if this holiday season will be the one I decide to try that.  So far the answer is always no.