just k

Check It Twice...

I decided today it might be a good idea if I made out my Christmas shopping list. I tend to buy a few things and then decide what else I still need to get. With three kids, five grandchildren and my daughter-in-law and my penchant for wanting to keep things “even”, sometimes I have to be a bit creative in my gifting. Like everyone else, I have resorted to gift cards or even cash although I think it’s more fun to open an actual gift. On the plus side, gift cards and cash never need to be returned.

Having been in the retail business for 40 years (how is that possible? I started out when I was eight) I have seen Christmas shopping for lots of people go from an enjoyable holiday tradition to a stress-filled, absolutely have to have, standing in line at the mall just to buy the same thing everything else has marathon. Speaking for myself, I love the Christmas season and try really hard not to fall into that line of thinking.

Maybe it’s because I have owned a small business for so long that I choose to buy as many gifts as possible at small local shops. I’m not criticizing those who prefer to buy at the mall if that’s your thing, I just really like shopping at small stores. I hardly ever have a problem finding a parking space, I rarely have to wait in line, I find things you can’t find at the mall and I know the owner appreciates my business.

So as I make out my list, check it twice (or maybe even three times), I think about the local shops that I’m going to visit to do my shopping. And when I’m done wrapping my treasures, I’m going to put my feet up and pour myself a glass of wine from the bottle I just happened to pick up while I was visiting one of those wonderful shops…k

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December 18, 2015

Posted 431 weeks ago