There is nothing quite like the adrenaline rush that is last minute Christmas shopping. The most stressful part of the season has everyone in panic, including myself. As old St. Nick draws closer and closer, the frantic, the panicked, the tired, and the indifferent are all completing the same task: shopping.
1. "Why is there so much traffic?"
You've planned this out, list in hand, and you run out the door with plenty of time to shop and still avoid 5 o'clock rush hour and tourists. Yet as you near the strip that is home to many different possibilities, you are slammed in a back up of traffic that extends around the parking lot, down the road, and beyond two traffic lights.
2. "Why are there so many people?"
Upon entering the store you see the human embodiment of the packed parking lot outside. Your eyes widen and your jaw drops, and you are left there wondering why everyone made the same mistake this year.
3. "If you were fifteen again, what would you want for Christmas?"
The struggle of shopping for teenagers is neverending.
4. "Why did he have to be a preteen this year?!"
Without a doubt, the hardest age to shop for is that stretch of years between nine and fourteen. Boys are too old for the cop-out Hot Wheels cars now, but too young to buy coffee mugs for. What on earth do you buy an 11-year-old boy for Christmas?
5. "Can I just buy everyone ornaments for their tree and call it a day?"
It is a reusable gift at least!!
6. "Do these bows match this wrapping paper?"
It is blasphemous to clash colors for Christmas present. When shopping for gifts, somehow, you always end up buying wrapping paper, bows, ribbon, gift tags, tape, string, and a partridge in a pear tree so you can actually wrap the gifts.
7. "I need coffee! Right now!"
This is usually exclaimed as you find yourself sitting somewhere in a store, surrounded by bags, out of energy, and ready to fall asleep in the mall. You need coffee now, as if it's the only thing keeping you alive. You still have your shopping to do, and you need energy!
8. "Is there anyone who can help me?"
When shopping for young children, it can be difficult to not only find something they would want, but find something appropriate. Clothes shopping for a two year old is the most daunting task! What is the difference between 24M and 2T?!
9. "Why is all the Christmas stuff in the Garden section?"
Really, why? I just wanted tape!
10. "Next year, everyone is getting gift cards."
11. "This check out line is so long!"
As the lines spiral around the store and you have flash backs to Black Friday, you are taught a lesson about procrastination once again.
12. "How will I fit this all in my car?"
A tiny car and a lot of shopping bags means it is time to Tetris stack boxes until you can't close the trunk anymore.
13. "At least they're going to love it!"
After all that, you know that you came, you saw, and you conquered. 'Tis the season for giving, and you gave it your all! Until next year!
Remember, it isn't about how much you spend, how many people you had to fight to get that coffee pot, or how many people you have to shop for. This season is all about giving, nor receiving or spending or shopping or gifts! Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, the holidays are all about cheer and love! Happy holidays, everyone!
