Holiday Shopping

If I had had money, I would likely be among those folks out in the world spending dollars today, Black Friday. Unfortunately, I do not, and so I merely continue to dream about what I would buy if I did.

Of course, the main thing about today is buying gifts for Christmas. I think, though, that there are only so many things one can purchase for a person. I guess that's why we create wish lists. While I might not like a Guide to Freshwater Fishing, I might very much like a copy of Trout Fishing in America. While I might not want a socket set, I might like a automobile! But of course, Santa isn't as willing to buy such big durable goods for someone, unless they have bigger bucks than most of us.

I like holiday shopping when I have money to buy things for myself and the household. I can head out to one of my favorite stores and look for less conventional items. New bedding for the bed, a new toaster, a new mixer, some catnip for the little guys, fuzzy socks, a new 1TB external hard drive, a 100 spindle of DVD blanks--the list goes on and on! When I know exactly what I want, it makes sense for me to get what I want when it reaches a decent (aka afforable) price!

But that's not to say that shopping at the holiday season is any fun. Crowds, long walks, cold weather, pushing, shoving, long lines, bad manners.... I'm very grateful, instead, to shop online when I can--my mind and body thanks me when I do!

I don't have a lot of people to shop for, thank goodness. I feel very sorry for those people who have, not only spouses, but kids, many close friends, and other family members to buy things for. Even setting a spending limit on gifts can be tough, and many folks feel obligated to spend more than they want to.

I'll stick to Big Lots, Ocean State Job Lots, Christmas Tree Shoppes, the various dollar stores, eBay and just about any other place where I can budget a little better. I'm not cheap--I'm just poor--very, very poor. :)

It's cold now, and I have limited resources for the winter, another facet of life in the big city. But it's still warmer inside than it is outside, which certainly helps when I'm shopping!

I have to go and get my shopping list together--what exists of one, anyhow! Take care--and Happy Shopping to All!