Finding the PERFECT presents?

Maybe it's genetic, or could it be a learned behavior? Im not sure which it is, but, I am sure it is a curse!

Buying a gift for christmas is a very daunting task for me.  Probably because I set my expectations too high? Frantically, I rack my brain, search the internet and paying way to close to every little word that is spoken around me. Why is it so darn important? The gift is suppose to be just that...a gift.

Not in my teensy little mind. A gift should be thoughtful, generous and something the receiver would not buy for themselves yet would love to obtain. I want the gift to be memorable, a tangible piece of love and goodwill. That mentality has to come from my true love of the season and the knowledge that Santa Claus does exists. He lives in each of us. Never, once can I recall not getting that one true thing I desired or wished I could obtain. The one thing I would never buy myself. It always appears...the one thing I never tell anyone that I want, the single item I secretly long to have, is always under the tree. And I know in my heart of hearts, Santa Claus puts it there.

Shopping on the other hand can be cumbersome, frightening and sometimes death defying. People pushing and shoving and trying to buy any gift at a steal and a deal. Getting to meander through the malls enjoying the lights and the sounds of carols in the distance, well, it doesn't happen here. People crowd and rush past. Have they forgotten the purpose of the gift? I think so. Why else would 2000 people stand in line in the middle of the night to get a television for dirt cheap? Seems they only reason would be to have a wrapped present, not the gift.

Do you guys remember when we were little? Shopping was an event. Bundling up to visit the local big chain stores, and they weren't all lumped together in a mall. So you needed that coat, hat and mittens to keep you warm as you trekked between them. The greatest sight there was were the big elaborate window displays. Some chains in bigger cities, like New York still have them and they work on the all year long. As it should be.

I miss those days. Fat fluffy Santa's with lines all around the store. Tall regal decorated tree's with the most beautiful ornaments,and Christmas Spirit. It was everywhere. People were polite, kind and they took their time. During my adventure out to find the last few gifts I experienced some of the rudest people ever. Nobody smiled and my cheerful "Merry Christmases" fell on deaf ears. Not one person attempted to say it back. That did not stop me, it actually fueled me to be even more aggressive about it. I got louder and showed more teeth and stared deep into their eyes as the day wore on. I shopped for my thoughtful gifts, went to several stores and continued my Merry Christmas rantings, and when I was at the last store in the last checkout, I broke down. I waited my turn and when he stepped in line behind me I just knew he was gonna be trouble. He hemmed and huffed, impatiently waited as the clerk scanned my items and when she had to take time to correct a price on one item for me, he really got noisy and started pacing in his spot. SO, I turned around took two steps toward him and smiled real big and blurted out, "Merry Christmas Mister, I hope this behavior doesn't get you on the naughty list? Patience is a virtue, and I apologize for doing my Christmas shopping in front of you. I pray God blesses you this coming year."

The lady behind was giggling and the clerk just stood there with her chin on the cash register. She was only doing her job, and it only took 2 extra minutes. I am sure she has numerous thoughts of what she would like to say to those rude, obnoxious patrons. That was my gift to her and I told her that. I spun around, leaned over the belt, smiled at her and in a soft quiet voice said, "Merry Christmas, sorry people cant remember their manners.This was my gift to you! I appreciate what you did and what you do everyday here." She handed me my reciept and said, with a big grin on her face, "Thank you! And Merry Christmas to you!"

Shopping in Cincinnati shouldn't be a chore. It should be a joy, and fun, especially at Christmas time. It is a beautiful city...some of the occupants should just stop and enjoy it for the moment. Maybe they would find their Christmas Spirit too?