I sat in the car, shopping list and debit card tucked in my pocket. I simply did not feel like going into Walmart. Now, please don’t misunderstand me, my friends; I am always game for some quality shopping! I also love to study people; especially during the Christmas season.
In the course of people watching, I have noticed that some of my fellow patrons look a bit disgruntled as they wheel those squeaky, wobbly shopping carts to their cars. Cookware, flat-screen TVs, laptop computers, crock pots, waffle makers, convection ovens, and tablets are stacked within the confines of the bright red and blue carts; expensive and popular products resulting from months of advertising and hype. I believe that Christmas shopping is becoming a stressful, tedious chore to some. How many times do we hear the words, “I will be so glad when this is over!”
I have to admit that I do a great deal of my Christmas shopping online now, even though it is not my preference. I would much rather be wandering through the local department stores, all five of my senses assisting me in the quest for the perfect gift. I have taken my place in line at more than one Black Friday sale and I have to say that I love the energy and the anticipation. (I have even shopped in my fleece pajamas!) As a matter of fact, I plan on going this year. It is not about the great deal, but rather the experience and the glamour of the season.
As a child, my family began Christmas shopping just about two weeks before the event itself. Our very real Christmas tree usually took its place in front of our window no earlier than December 15. Those last 10 days before Christmas were sacred. Christmas gifts were purchased, a Christmas list was sent off to Santa, and we planned the Christmas meal. My daily task was to scan the living room floor for elusive silver icicles that had somehow managed to escape the embrace of dry pine needles and glistening garland.
I cannot help but wonder, though, how many of us stop to consider the origin of the Holiday season? 2013 years ago, there was another frantic rush of sorts in the anticipation of a gift so significant that it would change the world. There are many historians who will tell us that the documentation of this event is inaccurate, and that may be so. Yet, this gift was so precious and so powerful that it is a measure of time itself. There was no need for great bargains on that night of so long ago, for there was and will never be an item as priceless as that one life.
I have great respect for one of our most treasured rights: the freedom of religion. During this jubilant time, we exchange gifts, put up our Holiday tree, prepare our Holiday meal, and taste the spirit of unison and peace; despite our individual beliefs. That, in itself, is a miracle.
Editor’s Note: Belinda Wilcox Ouellette lives Connor TWP with her husband Dale and their Goldendoodle Barney. They are currently working on building a home in Caribou. You may contact Belinda online at: dbwouellette@maine.rr.com.
