Shopping is an activity I've always loved.  It's almost as good as a visit 
to the hairdressers when you need a pick-me-up but more essential in my 
opinion. 

 Whether it's actually spending money that is enjoyable or the thrill of 
exchanging our hard-earned money for something of perceived value, I'm not sure. There is always satisfaction in finding what I want at the price I 
want to pay but a good shopping experience is more than that.  It involves seeing all the newest products, styles and inventions that come on the market.  I love to explore a retailer's store who has really made an effort in presenting his/her wares, or a craft shop that features local artists. I 
especially like to make a find … something that for some inexplicable 
reason appeals to me.  My latest find was an Ionic Hairbrush.  With each sweep through your hair it releases thousands of ions to help repair molecule damage.  Perhaps I'm just a shopoholic.  I even enjoy grocery shopping. Every once in awhile my husband wants to come with me, in self-defense. 

Christmas shopping is particularly satisfying and fun because the focus is 
shopping for the people you care most about in this world.  Not only that, 
you get to accomplish your mission while listening to a selection of 
beautiful and familiar Christmas music.  The rhythms are infectious and the best part is I know most of the lyrics.  This gives me the option of 
singing as I shop. 

The mall crowds, screaming children, lineups, Santa's Village, decorated 
trees, wreaths, bows, bells and creative lighting are all part of the 
seasonal hype to create the right atmosphere for us to be separated from 
our money.  Although many people find these pressure tactics unpleasant I find them exhilarating and go right along with the flow. 

Early on my Father set us straight about Christmas.  He said it was not a 
time to ask for what you wanted but rather a time to give and to appreciate what you received.  Guessing games about what might be under the tree were discouraged although my sisters and I did our own private speculations.  As a result we have always given a considerable effort to finding gifts that will give unexpected pleasure, selecting things that the recipients would not necessarily go out and buy for themselves.  Always the most successful gifts have been ones that were handmade, not purchased but realistically this is not always possible. One of my personal favourites was a photo-album done by my Aunt Claire that depicted my life from birth to motherhood with typewritten comic comments on my development and future.