r
In some ways, it seems like we're not only encouraged to procrastinate our gift giving, we're also rewarded for it. But where is the fun in this? Sure, we need plenty of household items that I can use those Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons for, but you can get those any day of the week, any week of the year. What makes them special?
r
I went downtown last Thursday night for Annapolis' Midnight Madness, an event that had shops opening their doors until late in the evening. It could not have been a better night out. The weather was still balmy, but merchants were handing out hot cocoa and cookies like it was -10 degrees. Popping in and out of shops gave me the opportunity to chat with the merchants who make Main Street their home. I ended up buying a collection of hard-to-find spices for my sister in law, a big cozy jumper for my nephew, and a warm alpaca scarf for my mother. I ended up throwing in a Zodiac pendant for myself, because a girl’s got to accessorize for the holidays, too. We were wrapping up our evening by the time most everyone else was starting theirs, so we headed into a local pub for a beer and a crab pretzel. Happy hour pricing delighted us.
r
The deals in my email inbox are still tempting. But there is more to holiday shopping than saving a buck on something you don't really need. There's the community of it: the carols, the cocoa, the finding a one-of-a-kind item you won't ever see in a Black Friday circular. It's so nice to enjoy the holiday season, rather than dreading the chaos of the mall, the impending doom of your credit card bill.
r
So don't miss the remaining few opportunities to get out and do your shopping with real people. Annapolis' Midnight Madness runs again tonight and then next Thursday, with carolers, ass bands, and demonstrations aplenty. Call your friends and make a night out of it. Because there's no buyer's remorse in a happy memory.
r
