I Can’t Believe I Still Do It

This title could mean anything — sex, hug my kids, save the Pope’s Nose on Thanksgiving for Uncle Scott.

No — this “can’t believe” is more inline with the younger generation. Those with kids and long Christmas lists and money to spend on baubles.

I can’t believe that I still go to the gas station Thanksgiving morning and get the newspaper and check for the Black Friday sales.

Who goes to those these days?

Remember the days when there were lines out to the parking lot just to be able to be the first one to buy a computer or Barbie doll? The days when the checkout line in the big department stores went all the way around the main floor?

I participated in only one of those “old” days before-dawn shopping excursions.  Once was enough.

But there is always something fun about going through the sale flyers from the newspaper with friends and family, making lists, listening to what other’s are looking for. Everyone scrutinizes the paper for the best deals, especially ones that have unlimited quantities.

We still go out on Black Friday. Usually we keep the grandkids overnight and go out to breakfast first. Then we meet mom and dad and spend half the day walking the aisles in Menards.

The maddening crowd (if there ever was one) has thinned, and there are still plenty of Christmas Houses and throw rugs to put into your cart.

It’s more a fun family time. Like a game of Trivial Pursuit, everybody laughs at what they think their parents or their kids need or if they could use a second of the whatsa-ma-jigits.  It’s taking the grandkids out for breakfast and hiding toys in the bottom of the cart or throwing in Christmas candy for yourself for later.

I don’t usually come out with a cartful of needless things — I leave that for those with longer lists and bigger pockets.

Guess I’m just a sucker looking for a good time!