By the time I turned into the mall parking lot, I knew I had made a mistake.
Cars crawled in circles, each one stalking a potential parking spot like it was the last slice of Christmas cheesecake. I did slow laps around the lot, pretending to be calm while quietly wishing I had stayed home.
Someone in a giant SUV tried to reverse into a space that clearly did not fit them. Another driver cut me off to chase a pair of glowing taillights, only to realize that car was not leaving at all. It was just adjusting by two inches, for reasons known only to that driver and their chiropractor.
When I finally found a spot, it was so far from the entrance I considered calling it a hike. But I was committed. I hauled myself to the doors and stepped into the melee.
Inside, the mall smelled like cinnamon and stress.
Music from three different stores blended into one relentless festive remix. Blenders whirred in the food court. Someone’s kid was having a full emotional experience near the giant Santa display.
I gripped my shopping list and stepped into the crowd.
Within ten seconds I bumped into a man balancing a tower of boxes.
I apologized, spun, and bumped into the person behind me.
They bumped the person behind them.
We did one of those awkward group apologies where everyone laughs too loudly and then speed walks away.
The rest of the trip went about the same.
I squeezed between people with enormous bags.
I dodged strollers like they were moving obstacles in a video game.
I got half tangled in a scarf display and came out with glitter I did not ask for.
To be fair, I did find good gifts.
A perfect sweater.
The last pair of cozy slippers in the right size.
That specific fancy hot chocolate that apparently tastes like Christmas in a mug.
But by the time I dragged everything back to my car, I was finished with the whole mall experience.
At home, I collapsed with my laptop and, out of curiosity, opened Amazon. That is when I discovered something I probably should have known ages ago.
They have sale pages.
Actual organized sections of things on sale.
I started clicking through them, and suddenly Christmas shopping felt easy. No parking drama. No accidental shoulder checks. Just me, my list, and prices quietly dropping on my screen.
I finished the rest of my Christmas shopping right there, in soft pants, with a snack. I even grabbed one extra gift just for fun, a wonderfully ridiculous Cat Villain puzzle that popped up while I was browsing.
The deals change all the time, so what I saw might be totally different when you view it. You can check it out here if you like. Amazon Sale Page.
But as stressed out as physical shopping is, I love Christmas to much to let shopping deter me.
Besides, I am one of those people who shops year round if I find something I know my family will like.
Now back to the computer…
All the best,
Tia
