Holiday rush

[the_barracuda_]

How many of you were out there today, trying to get that last little bit of shopping in just before Christmas? With most of my family being non-local (my mom's the only one who lives in town), we've always had to mail presents out and thus, have got into the habit of getting the shopping done at least a good two weeks in advance. I went out yesterday to do some errands and even in a small town, every store was packed and every parking lot was full. I can't stand those kinds of crowds, but some people thrive on them. I remember last year, we spent the year in Vancouver for Christmas and went out on boxing day to buy presents for my uncle for an early birthday present, 50 of his favorite things. We hit some of the major malls and stores and holy Christ, I think there was more people in one mall than the entire population of my hometown. I couldn't walk without hitting someone every five seconds. I am able to enjoy the experience somewhat, but the novelty wears off quick. Of course, being from a small town, I often have to resort to mail order anyways, but I hate being late on something.

I went with gift cards for my sister and brother-in-law, since they've just moved into a new house in a new town for my sister's new job, and that was easy (especially since I could use two years worth of VISA points too). My mom's easy to shop for too, half-local, half-mail order. Got her some gift cards.

Anyone hate gift cards/certificates? I personally love them, especially when I get them from a store I love. Give me a Sears gift card and I immediately go to the tools section and gets me somethin' to cut, chop, destroy or build.