December 4, 2009 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

I am not really a shopper. Should I have occasion to enter a store with the purpose of purchasing something, I really prefer to go in, get what I need, and be back out in 10 minutes or less. I am not always that lucky.

An exception to my shopping aversion is book buying (for the library). I can easily spend hour after hour after hour in a bookstore happily browsing the shelves. That is if the store is locally owned. I don’t go to Chapters.

That said, I completely change my shopping style around Christmas time. For some reason, once a year, I am happy to explore out-of-the-way novelty shops and boutiques galore as I soak in the whole shopping atmosphere.

Maybe it is the Christmas carols playing merrily in the background? Or, perhaps it is the festive decorations in every store? I believe it is the company I am with.

Each year, prior to Christmas, my sister, Mary, and I go on a couple of sisterly shopping trips - which I combine with book shopping for the library so I have a great excuse to spend lots of time in bookstores! We explore our favourite shops in Ponoka during Moonlight Madness, as Mary marvels that we can spend so much time in a mere two block area. In Camrose, we walk the historic downtown area finding new places to visit, as well as tried and true places that can’t be missed.

As you prepare and shop this Christmas season, have some fun. It shouldn’t be just one more item to check off a never-ending list. If possible, shop with someone whom you enjoy spending time with. The day will be more enjoyable if you do.

Beth

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