Post Thanksgiving Day Ramblings...
It was a nice Thanksgiving, and everything went as well as could be. And not ONE sports event graced our TV. W played some Benny Goodman (fine eating music). You see, we're NOT part of that "Hurry up and scarf down the meal, 'cause we're off to the sports bar to catch the COLTS game that won't be shown on area stations" troop.
And never will be, if we're fortunate.
We took some time to have a real family-oriented repast. And since *my* family exists primarily of long lost cousins back in PA, or the residents of our house (with two more in TX and a couple in Portland, Indiana), it's a small gathering, but a sincere one.
But now it's on to the business at hand...CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. (and the worst day of the year to do it...TODAY).
Yeah, we've seen those camping outside stores for the best deals, and perhaps they'll get some, but I was never into standing in line for anything when I could much rather go elsewhere, walk in and get something. It's an "efficiency in retail experiences" thing with me.

But be serious, with all the OTHER financial swords dangling above our heads these days, do we need to exacerbate it by caving in to THIS day to shop? Haven't we been paying attention during the REST of the year for gifts to give for Christmas? Why do we wait for "someone else" to tell us that NOW is THE time to SHOP for those CHRISTMAS GIFTS? I think a lot of it is the "lemming syndrome". When everyone ELSE does it, then I will too. Well, that works well when trying to relax...or have fun, but when it comes to leaping off of a financial precipice, I tend to hedge a bit...no, make that a LOT.
Then there are the LINES...the PEOPLE (with assorted germs just WAITING to "share" by coughing in your face), the PARKING (when you can find it), and of course...the SALES. All of this just doesn't quite make a nice end to a good Thanksgiving. Who needs angst for dessert anyway? It's not all about sales anyway (except for the stores' "bottom line")...it's about finding the "right" gift for those special people, and *if* you CATCH A SALE in the process...all the better.
But I sure don't need that ELECTRIC CAT POLISHER...
JUST BECAUSE it's 50% OFF today only!
(and neither do our cats)
Still, the "time of the year" has a lot to do with WANTING to shop...the growing festive nature, the seasonal aromas in the air, the crisp chill OF the air itself all lend a helping hand with us parting with our hard-earned savings. And despite all the annoying aspects related to the shopping experience now, we really don't mind all that much in the long run (until the bills come due). What we need to do is practice some self-control, though. We still have to fuel our cars and heat our homes this winter, right?
Those people that do nothing all day but study stuff (and get paid too damn much for it too, if you ask me...I could do it for a lot less and still make out well) said that the "average" person will lay out over $840 for Christmas gifts. Wish that "Mr. Average" considered ME a good friend...LOL! My wife and I together won't come close to that number, and yet, we'll have a good holiday. Then again, I can do a lot with very little (something I picked up in life).
Will we shop today?
Maybe, but we won't be wandering all over creation to do it. We make our lists well in advance, check them THRICE (Santa could learn from that), and with a plan in mind...we set forth (note: having a PLAN-B is always a good thing). And there is always TOMORROW....as well as the OTHER 32 DAYS with which to "accomplish the mission". So before you head out, check that fuel gauge and keep those credit cards nearby, so you can "git 'er done"!
Good luck...you're going to need it.

Have a Safe Weekend