The Dangers Of Christmas Shopping Late

Christmas shopping can be very chaosand distressing, especially if you do it a week before the big day. Nothing exasperates me more than hundreds of people going the opposite direction as I try to rush to the counter. Let me share with you the most tiring shopping experience I had which happened just last year. I think the traumawill forever be instilled in my head which is why I’m doing Christmas buying in August from now on.

The Late Bird

It was 5 days before Christmas, so I decided that it was just right to go to the malls as people may already have done their shopping early. I guess almosteverybody in my neighborhood was thinking the same thing since I spent more of my time greeting every person in sight than shopping. Coming into the department store was like battling a horde of barbarians. I tried to hit the individual shops instead, but could not even go past the security door as every square inch was occupied by a foot or a toe.

I was lucky enough to come across a small stall by the bathroom where I grabbed a pair of engraved zippo lighters for my brother. These were idealpresents and fit a lot in my budget. I then called for some backup by calling my sister to help me fight the hordes. She arrived about 45 minutes later but bailed on me when she saw the crowds. She said it was much easier getting the stuff through the internet, but I was determined to succeed.

Lucky Streak

I finally landed on one place where the crowds seem to move away from…the liquor store! This was my area of solitude and was fortunate enough to get some cigarette cases and a cigar flask. These were just excellent for my dad and other family members who love to smoke. Buying in bulk also allowed me to save more as the store had a Christmas promo that if I’d get an extrafor every 4 pieces I get.

A became more fortunate when a pretty little girl dressed in a sexy Santa costume approached and handed me free imported cigars. These were freebies that came with every $100 worth of purchase. I also got coupons that might land me a chanceto win a brand new motorcycle. I didn’t count on it though as I only got one.

No Rest for the Weary

My lucky break didn’t last too long though as the engraved zippo lighters,cigar flaskand cigarette cases were the only things I got, plus some cookies for the kids. I can’t believe it took me 30 whole minutes just to get out of the mall and drive my car out of the parking lot. Vehicles were practically jammed since most were already parked at the back ofothers.

As if that was not enough, trying to get food or drinks for dinner was worse. I regret going for a supposedly quick drive-thru snack. It might have been much faster personally stepping into the restaurant as the line was previouslyoverflowing on the highway! The police had to come and ask other drive-thru cars to just back up and exit altogether to prevent any further accidents. Christmas shopping was never this, should I say, life-threatening.