I hate the mall...

I'm sorry, I know the picture above betrays very dark holiday humor, but I got it in the mail today from a friend, and just had to post it.

I'm so sick of shopping at the mall.  I'm tired of the endless Macy commercials, and the dozens upon dozens email from different retail stores offering free shipping.  I am proud to say that I'm pretty much DONE with my holiday shopping.  I just have to finish my hubby's list, (should I REALLY buy those enormous bear claw slippers he wanted?) and all I need to buy is food for the 25+ relatives that will be dining at our home on Christmas Eve. 

I'm actually not stressing over dinner, but I would really LOVE to take some time off so I can take the kids out and about; see a movie, look at Christmas lights...etc..etc..  These errands I've been making are really getting to me.  Yes, I have to stop at the drug store again today, because my mother discovered she has no Christmas lights, and she has another prescription to pick up. 

Last night, I found myself at the mall AGAIN because my daughter forgot to buy her gift for the little girl she chose for the Salvation Army gift drive, and of course, instead of going to only one store, I found myself in about 4 others.  The mall is crazy this time of year, and I'm noticing that a lot of "odd people", or should I say, LOUD families coming in who are pretty much stressed, talking out loud about personal family problems that really should be left unheard by strangers.  For example, here is one conversation I over heard between a mother and her apparently delinquent son, "I'm not going to give you nuthin' until I see your report card!"  Or, by another couple and their elderly mother in a wheelchair.  (Please imagine the husband carting a very elderly woman wearing un matching socks with her pant legs both pulled up, while he is munching on Hot Tamales).  "I want to look at other places at the mall!  I'm sick of standing around the damn ole dog toys!"  Wife:  "Okay, Harold, for God's sake!  Hand me a Hot Tamale--you are hogging them all!"  Husband:  "Your pants are tight enough, you don't need any!  These are mine!  Can't a guy have a box of candy at Christmas time?"  During this exchange of conversation, the poor elderly woman is shaking her head in disgust. 

Aww...the Christmas season.  I am going to make a point of doing something outrageous this weekend, go to church, and like--do something FUN!!!