Normally, walking through the mall at Christmas time, just makes me cheerful and it really makes it feel like Christmas to me.
- People are laughing and enjoying themselves as they go from shop to shop in hopes of finding the perfect Christmas gift for a friend or loved one.
I walked into the mall this year, knowing it wasn’t going to be as crowded as normal, but not expecting it to be dead. I had chills running up and down my spine. I couldn’t believe how cold and quiet it felt. I was sure they had their heating system turned down since they didn’t have enough business to pay all the bills. I wouldn’t want to have my thermostat turned up for just a handful of people. I only got into two stores when I was ready to go back home. I was cold, depressed, and devoid of gifts. As much as I hated to do it, I started shopping online. I didn’t like buying gifts if I wasn’t able to see them and touch them. Buying gifts online was cold and empty. The only good thing about buying online, was that I had an excellent furnace to keep me warm. I didn’t need to worry about getting chills up my spine. I was wrapped up in my cozy robe, sitting at the computer with a hot cup of coffee, and choosing my gifts. I got up and turned up the thermostat and looked at the computer. With a shrug, I sat down and went on a marathon shopping spree online. All of my favorite stores were at my fingertips and I didn’t need to wait in lines, struggles with carrying gifts or coats, and I was always comfortable thanks to my own furnace and thermostat.