I understand diversity and choice and creativity. Each of us has our own idea of what adds that festive touch to our holiday decorating. But at the risk of offending someone, I have to say that shotgun shell lights and camouflage wrapping paper just don’t say “Christmas” to me! ‘Course I might feel differently if I saw the shotgun shells lighting up a tree covered with deer ornaments and shiny camo balls. It might just be a matter of presentation. (No, I’m not telling. If you want shotgun shell lights you will have to hunt for them! )
I overheard an amusing statement made by a woman at WalMart. Apparently she was having a little “tradition vs. desire” debate with her teenage daughter, because even though she had a basket full of decorations she said, “No, we will not open them. I am not hanging up one thing until after Thanksgiving!” When we were kids no one even thought about putting out Christmas decorations until after the Thanksgiving Day parade. Now there are people who put their tree up the first weekend of November. Of course I do understand that with families spread all over creation many folks celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas as one holiday because their children can’t travel more than once.
I managed to buy a few more Christmas presents yesterday. I love looking at all the toys, even though so many of them are predictably tied to movies and television shows. What amazes me is the ingenuity of companies that make the old standards like Mr. Potato Head, Playdough, Barbie, and Etch-a-Sketch. Each year they come up with something new to appeal to the next generation of consumers.
Gary and I discussed the appearance of the “kits” and “sets” available only during the holidays. Some of them are very creative. Others are just marketing hype. Many are things you give to someone you don’t know well, but are somehow obligated to buy a gift for anyway.
He was also complaining that there are so many extra displays in Lowe’s now that one can barely walk between the aisles. WalMart and JCP are just the same! It’s all part of the holiday tradition. I try to just smile more and expect everything to take extra time from now until New Year’s. Took me an hour and a half to do my grocery shopping this week.
I do shy away from one Christmas Shopping tradition. I seldom leave my house on Black Friday- the day after Thanksgiving. I don’t stand in line for anything or anyone. I won’t be bragging, “I got up at 2am and camped in line for three hours to get this for you!” Sorry, folks, but no one on my list is getting anything that special! Lol! I’ve worked five Black Fridays at Macy’s and that is enough for a lifetime.
I’ve posted a few photos from yesterday. It was cool but comfortable, and a little breezy, but there were butterflies all over the yard, especially on my red chrysanthemums.
If you shop this week be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
And smile! It’s almost Christmas.
Comments