When I tell people that I'm from Paramus, New Jersey, most people respond with, "I go to Garden State Plaza all the time."

Paramus has three malls and then they still have shopping centers. Living right next to Garden State Plaza has its perks and has its problems. Many people believe I'm lucky because I do not need to find parking since I could just walk. This is definitely one of the main perks, but just think about all the traffic I sit in to just get to my house.

During the holidays the mall hires traffic guards who stand at Plaza Way and Fairfield Drive and they also stand at the main entrance on Plaza Way near the Best Buy. Let me tell you, I live on Fairfield Drive and the traffic guard never lets me go. Instead he causes a traffic jam. You think that since I'm a resident he would stop the traffic and let me go. This frustrates not only me, but many of my neighbors.

The traffic is definitely the worst part about living in Paramus. I am so thankful for Paramus Blue Laws which make every retail store close on Sundays. I personally do not see the need of going shopping on Sunday. I guess that's because I grew up not having anything opened on a Sunday.

Obviously the positives of living in a town with thousands of stores is that everything is convenient. I have endless options with living in Paramus. I could go to Garden State Plaza, Paramus Park, Bergen Town Center, Fashion Center, etc.

It takes a lot of patience when driving in town especially when people from out of town or out of state are driving. I just remember all the memories I have from going to the mall with friends or family. The memories I make while shopping, makes me forget about all the traffic I constantly sit in. Watching your loved ones get excited when you get them exactly what they want is priceless and makes sitting in the traffic worth it.

Getting angry is not going to help anyone. Stay calm when going to the malls and driving on Route 17. Remember no one is forcing you to go to the mall. You chose to and you should try and enjoy the holidays instead of getting frustrated with the traffic and parking.

Happy Holidays!