.
They are all at the mall now,
shopping for anything left
that is on sale or not. But
the kids like Santa
and there is hot chocolate
once exhaustion kicks in.
.
It's the same every year
and I smile at this ritual.
Standing in lines, maxing
out credit cards. This
is fun.
.
Today is December twenty fourth
and the pressure is beginning
to pinch wallets and pocketbooks
into action. Every year, you
tell yourself that you are not
going into debt for those
people who were not entirely
nice to you all year, but
you do. It's required. You
can not be a Christian unless
you practice charity.
.
By 6 p.m. December twenty fourth
the mad rush will become mayhem
and potentially dangerous.
Electronic store clerks inevitably
call in sick. Too risky.
.
A tip: Cash in a Christmas
card solves all problems. Also,
gift cards, every store imaginable
has one out there at the supermarket.
If you know them well enough
to buy them a gift, then you
know "their" store.
.
Happy shopping, but remember
gift cards and cash always surprise
nephews and grandchildren. Presents
for wives, husbands, and mothers
will require very careful selection
unless you want to have a very
unmerry Christmas.
.
allets
12-16-16
1143a
.