This year I’ve decided to do all my Christmas shopping in one day! Get it over with, I say, and get on with the fun part, like decorating the tree and making cookies. The malls will open early during Christmas shopping season. I’ll get there early to take advantage of the bargains. Sure, things are crowded, but I won’t let that bother me.

Bargains! Discounts! That’s what every shopper craves. No one wants to pay full price when we can get stuff on sale! There’s a store advertising an extra 20% off if you get there before 8 a.m. But, why is the parking lot already full? What did these people do, park and camp out all night to be here first? I can’t believe what some people will do just to get a bargain. Next time I’ll come at 5 o’clock too.

Look at this! Knit shirts, buy one and get one for half price! I better get a few. At that price they won’t last long. Well, no, I don’t know anyone to give them to, but I can always use a couple myself.

Hey! That woman cut in front of me in the checkout line. She has her nerve. Wait until I get to the front of the line. I’m going to complain about this. They shouldn’t wait on people who cut in line. I may get mad and leave!

Gosh, my feet hurt! I’m so tired of waiting. Maybe I’ll just pay and complain the next time. I’ve got too much shopping to do to spend my time complaining. Wait! Where is the cashier going? It must be time for her break. I give up.

I’m going head for that department store at the other end of the mall. They always have better things there anyhow. Gee, the mall is crowded. Why are all these teenage kids here just walking around? They are just taking up space and not buying anything.

Maybe I’ll just stop at the food court and rest a minute or two. I’m starting to get pretty hungry. But how can I get anything to eat with all these people ahead of me? The tables are all full anyhow and there’s no place to sit. Maybe I can wait until later without starving.

Where is that other store anyhow? Don’t tell me I’m lost. They sure do make these shopping malls big. Okay, it is in the opposite direction at the other end of the mall. If I can walk that far, I can finally get started on my shopping.

Oh, look at that display in the window. Those shoes are really cute. I wish I had more time. I really could use a pair with the new backs like that. Wonder if they have them in my size? After I get done shopping, I’ll come back.

These department stores are so confusing. Where’s the ladies’ department? Oh, on the second floor, huh? What have they done with the escalator? I’ll never get my shopping done at this rate. The prices here are too high anyhow. I’m going to a different store.

Oh, a bargains table! I’ll dig in and see what I can find! Here’s a darling pink sweater in size XXL. Well, that won’t work. There’s another in size medium. That other shopper grabbed my sweater! I can’t believe these people, pushing and snatching like they have never seen a bargain before!

Well, it’s starting to get late and I’ve got to find my car. Maybe I’ll just wait and come back tomorrow, or go to a discount store, or order online, or buy gift cards – or something.

I can’t believe it – I spent a whole day shopping and didn’t buy a thing! Forget what I said about doing Christmas shopping in one day.

Copyright 2004 Sheila Moss