Published: December 02, 2008 10:39 am            

Culli: ‘Tis the season to battle through the aisles

I’m not ready for the Christmas season yet, not by a long shot.

Thanksgiving was a quiet, calm enjoyable day spent visiting with my mom and enjoying way too much food.

It was just the two of us. Caleb spent the holiday with his dad, who was traveling to Wisconsin. Christopher spent the day with his in-laws to be, and my brother and his family spent the day with his in-laws. That left just the two ladies, and we made the most of it.

There is no way you can pry me out of bed early on the Friday after Thanksgiving to go shopping. I go to work at the usual time and thank God I’m not out fighting the crowds.

I even try to avoid shopping the weekend after Thanksgiving. This year, I went on a road trip — supposedly shopping — on Saturday with two of my girlfriends, but we actually laughed and enjoyed each other’s company more than we shopped.

Now, it’s time to buckle down and get those gifts bought. I don’t do the Internet shopping bit, and I always shop local. That means getting out and facing the dreaded crowds.

For some reason, the Christmas season tends to bring out the worst in some people. If shopping for presents meant meandering through the store and thinking of those on my gift list, I’d be fine. But, it’s all those snarling, rude and basically unhappy people trudging or racing through the store that get to me.

It’s supposed to be a season of happiness — a season of giving. A reminder of the gift God gave to all mankind.

So, I’m girding myself with the armor of smiles, polite responses and “Merry Christmas!” to get ready for the battle through the aisles.

And, when I get that shopping done and am sitting at home, I will throw up a thank you to God for getting me through yet another holiday shopping season.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.