I Shopped Till I Dropped…And so much for ‘Wake-Up Walmart.’

Yes, I shopped till I dropped this Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving super sale day. Moreover I blew my entire wad at Walmart, saving little for J.C. Penny’s and K-Mart. Despite that I live in the Beautiful White Mountains of Arizona at (6700) feet, thus limiting my shopping choices. Had I been back in Los Angeles, my hometown, I’d still shop at Walmart, so sue me now, but I’d bet a dollar to a doughnut that I scored some bigger deals than you.

My wife and I finished most our shopping for each other, with some gifts for the kids and grandchildren. Since we had to stand in below freezing temperatures and wind outside the Walmart this morning, it seemed fitting we shop together for us. This way, we buy exactly what each would like for Christmas (Usually costing less than if we shopped separately for each other later) Then the worst is over. Neither my wife nor I, have to spend countless hours trying to decide what each want or need, and the right fit or style. This means all of our attention can be directed on the multitude of gifts for the children and grandchildren within our budget. More importantly, we can focus on the spiritual purpose of the Christmas Holiday.

Now before you think we spoil Christmas for each other, by shopping this way for our gifts, consider this. We know the gift bought for each other is something the other will like. The right fit and style. The gifts are usually less extravagant, saving considerably more dollars for the children, since neither wants to be seen as selfish. And we’re far from that. We know, each will receive a gift, all too often over the years neither receives a gift at all. This is because of the decision making and eventual procrastination, or lack of funds. Because we spent over our budget on the children, before deciding what to by each other. This is not necessarily bad, but hey, everyone should have a gift to open, and all too many times we’ve sat gift less, while others opened theirs. So began our Black Friday tradition three years ago, and this morning was no different. This year we even bagged a few gifts for the children.

On the budget of a freelance writer, desktop publisher, and a wife who works with infants at a local school, we stretch every dollar. Although my wife and I’s wardrobes consist of mostly high-end apparel from Dillard’s, May Company’s and Macy’s and on. I’m sure glad for the K-Marts and Walmart’s, that allow us to save the money needed to purchase, and still meet other budgetary goals. Glad to say, there were no ‘Wake-Up Walmart’ nutcases protesting, and the Walmart personnel were happy, cheerful, and helpful, in an otherwise chaotic environment this morning. The customers also were polite and helpful, offering their opinion on a questionable purchase. None of the stores that I visited showed any stress from Black Friday apprehensions, considering there were no parking spaces to be found, yes it was that crowded. Yet the shoppers and store personnel took it all in, with a great deal of patience. Me to, and patience is not one of my virtues.

This may not be an opinion, rather a reflection, and compass on life, here in the Greatest Nation on earth. I am David 112307