You know, for those of us who have wondered why the stores have Christmas stuff on display sometime between Labor Day and Columbus Day, the answer may be at our fingertips.
Literally.
Cyber Monday, the annual clickfest of computer cash commerce, has come and gone. Granted, the sales set for "Monday only" will be extended, matched or repeated right up until Christmas.
We are poised to spend $1 trillion this Christmas season. That's hard to fathom, but it's a great sign for the economy.
Cyber Monday is catchy, for sure. But it's not Christmas for me.
I need someone stealing my parking space at Hamilton Place mall. I need the lady in front of me at Some Box Store somewhere looking for a third credit card that the machine will accept. I need the exhausted old guy sitting, head in hand, at the bench as the Mrs. tries to decide which candle Aunt Rose would like best.
That's not just a mall, friends. Those are experiences and images that help make this time of year memorable. That's not "add to cart" clicking, that's Christmas shopping the way America intended it to be.
Sure, Cyber Monday is easier for some. So is not going to the dentist, but try that for a few years and see what it gets you.
If you are a mouse merchandiser, that's completely your right. But think of the great things you're missing.
The interaction with the masses.
The need to swing by the Red Rocket or the Applebee's and have a cocktail.
The odd chance of seeing some random kid screaming bloody murder that he has has to sit on a red-suited, bearded man's lap.
The squawking and squalling of a toddler who makes you feel good about your kids and your parenting.
One of our family's great traditions this time of year has been being part of the Angel Tree program. Both of our kids find the names of children close to their ages on the Angel Tree, then we help them shop for them.
That said, if you are a Cyber Monday master, may you be a Giving Tuesday participant.
The lesson of giving, not receiving, is important, and if you are buying online, then give online Tuesday. For more information visit https://bit.ly/37Zssu3.
If you are not aware, you can be part of the local effort at chagives.org, which is hoping to raise $1 million for 250 local nonprofit organizations.
And hey, if time is money, think how much time you're saving by not swiping my parking space at the mall.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com.