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The Xmas Gifts That Almost Weren’t!

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This is actually a funny story that I’m telling you today. But all those years ago, it felt like apocalypse now!

apocalypse-now

But first a couple of questions?

Why would anybody in their right mind wait until  Christmas-Eveto go shopping for Christmas presents?

And furthermore, why would a person wait until 3:00 pm to do so when most people know that mall stores close at 5:00 pm on the dot?

mall-closed

Now, back to the story.

Please remember this happened a long time ago!

Anyway…

This particular Christmas Eve was going to be my first at ever ever ever buying a Christmas present.

I had never purchased one, or received one before this time.

I didn’t have anything against the Xmas season, I just didn’t celebrate it due to my religion before this time.

Because of this, I had never paid any attention to store closings, or how difficult it would be to find gifts that hadn’t been picked over.

christmas-waltzI just thought I could waltz into a mall and buy up some presents lickety-split.

Another question?

Why was it so important to buy Christmas gifts this particular year?

It became important because I had finally found a family who legally adopted me at age 22. Don’t ask!

They did celebrate Christmas, and I wanted to make sure I had gifts to exchange with them.

So, off I went, thinking it would all work out after I got off a little early from work. But it almost didn’t.

The weather was really frightful, but I was determined to forge ahead. I had money in my pocket, and song in my heart.

frightful-weather

When I got to the mall, I quickly noticed the frenzy of shoppers trying to grab any possible Xmas gift that wasn’t being grabbed by somebody else first.

frenzy-of-shoppers

Once in the stores, I also noticed that most racks, shelves and bins were askew. Everything seemed so discombobulated.

If you didn’t have time to pick, you weren’t going to get through before the doors shut.

christmas-crazed

Thump, thump, thump quick time went my heart, and not because it was beating automatically.

My head was spinning, and I wasn’t winning the race.my-head-is-spinning-GIF

The loud speaker sounded: “Mall Closing in 10 minutes.”

The person might as well have started laughing at me, because I hadn’t bought anything.

I was too flustered to choose anything from this rummage.

My goose was cooked!goose

I would have to arrive Christmas day with empty hands, I thought.

It would be more than a little embarrassing, but I would somehow get through it.

Yet, I refused to totally believe there was nothing I could do. Back in my car, I started to drive.

It was snowy, foggy, and blistering cold. Visibility was so poor, it was on welfare.

But hark, there in the distance off to my right, I suddenly spotted a bleary light, and a sign.

hook's-drug-strore

Hook’s Drug Store! Hook’s Drug Store! Hook’s Drug Store! They say power comes in three’s.

And in a minute it would.

Up the ramp I went, parked in the almost desolate lot of Hook’s Drug Store, went in and power shopped my ass off.

That evening, I bought some of the most unique, iconic, off the wall, quirky, dated, and stupendous gifts I could load into my cart.

Interestingly enough, I got everyone something, and saved a ton of money doing it. saved_ton_of_money

Had I been able to shop at the mall, I would have been broke.

So, really everything worked out as it was supposed to.

Armed with my story, and bags full of gifts, I went to my new family’s house, and we ate, drank, and were merry with laughter!!!

By the way…Hook’s Drug Store, which no longer sits on that spot, didn’t close until 12:00 am!

Got a Story Like This???

happy-holidays-wreath

 

 

*Thanks Google Images*

 

Published by

Sparkyjen

I'm a life loving sixty-five, who most enjoys new and different experiences. I especially admire people who don't insist on being my twin. I live life out loud, with little beating around the bush. I like to read, write, and research. I volunteer as a Dementia Certified Reminiscence Coach. Memory Finder! I also judge speech and debate contests. I love love love my family, and friends. I enjoy most spectator sports, especially, roller derby, and hockey. Other interests, hobbies, & avid pursuits include: whitewater rafting, archery, jet skiing, dancing, singing, photography, and the cinema. I live a spiritually balanced, 90% plant-based lifestyle!

Categories Chuckles, Holiday Traditions, Inspirational, life, Thought and FocusTags , , , 30 Comments

30 thoughts on “The Xmas Gifts That Almost Weren’t!”

  1. LOL! oh those images. 😂 I’ve only ever been Christmas Eve shopping once in my life and said never again!!!! Thank goodness for online shopping and gift cards… and the most random places that stay open late. 😀

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Absolutely. I do the bulk of my shopping on Amazon now, but way back then, nope. Maya Angelou said: “When you know better, you do better.” Thankfully, it all worked out in the end. Happy Holidays!

      Liked by 2 people

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  3. I never bought anyone a gift until last year. I made all the presents I was giving to everyone..whether it was a sweater or baked goods or jams and jellies, I made everything. Last year I decided to just buy gifts. I had everything bought, gift wrapped and hidden in the house by August and was feeling very smart about the whole thing. Then my son came home for a visit and helped his father “clean out the attic”…………all my hidden gifts went to the dump! And I didn’t know until Christmas Eve! I ended up at a drug store/sporting goods/medical supply shop (yes, it carries all those disparate things!) and found something for everyone on my list and left the store with five minutes to spare. never again!

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. Interesting… I did not know you were adopted Sparky… as you might already read before through my blog posts… I’m also adopted. Would love to read more about your story. Any posts of yours to point me to about that? Oand if you don’t mind me asking, what was your religion before? Oh and by the way… Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ❤❤❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh believe me when I say that was then, Amazon Prime is now. They ship almost anything you can think of in two days free. Looking forward to sparky ✍️ and inspirational 📖 in 2018. Here’s to living the preferred life of our choosing! 🍾

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. One that day so long ago, those employees at Hook’s Drug Store were thrilled to see me, since they hadn’t seen anyone willing to buy anything for hours. Although they may have wanted to go home, they also wanted to have some money in the drawer to count. The Universe made everyone’s night!!!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. Pingback: My Favorite Holiday Quotes From Fellow Bloggers, Volume 1 – Biff Sock Pow

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