Repost? Would it be rude to repost a question that was posted on a weekend, in case more people respond during the week? (I know! I totally should have kept it for a few days until the workweek, but I was all a-fire.) Also, are any/all of you going out shopping in the crowds? I went out (to a small neighborhood shopping street in Berkeley) this weekend, and thought my head might explode with the masses of people out there. How do you stand it? Note: the decorations were beautiful, though, and I got a porcelain doorknob to replace a missing one in my apt, and I think it will really class up the joint. I hope everyone here felt just as successful!

I won't object if you repost, not that I have any authority whatsoever : ) And yea, I don't *do* crowds anymore. Can't stand the crush of people. Bleh. Congrats on the doorknob, sounds good.

go for it :-)

I don't. I drive all the way 'round town to avoid the mall. Not kidding, I've been stuck in traffic on the streets surrounding the mall for an hour at a time - not even trying to go to the mall. I cannot imagine choosing to go in to the mall. *Shudder* I have been in more than one fender bender within two weeks of Christmas because people are mindlessly pulling into and out of store parking lots in a hypnotized state - spendspendspend. Ugh. Have I mentioned that I hate Christmas? Not the holiday itself but what it does to the majority of citizens in our country. Most depressing was having to go to the 24 hour pharmacy on Christmas Eve. People were buying all those $9.99 infomertial crap items by the cartload! Can I add a sub poll? Has anyone spent the holiday in another country? Are they similarly $pend-crazy?

I love mall shopping at Christmas! NOT!!!!!!! Actually, I don't like going to the mall any time of the year. I've done all of my shopping online so far, with one exception and that was coincidence. What I've found, at least around here, is that it's safest to go during the week. I think I may go this week, but I'll make bff go with me for gift ideas and emotional support. :) Also, instead of the big malls, I prefer to go to the newer types of shopping malls that are outside and spread out. They have some nice ones here and it's open enough to where I don't feel that I'm getting overwhelmed. I have to agree with Bean tho, I do not like the sensationalism and the shopping craze that over takes people this time of year. That has made me think that I want to do something more serene in line with what the Christmas spirit used to be. They put up Christmas lights at the botanical gardens, maybe I'll surprise gf and take her tonight. Beans Question: No, I've never been out of the country during the Christmas holiday but I'd be very interested in hearing from others who have.

People are insane Is it really worth it? I have all my shopping for one kid done already and am working on the other one. I've done most of it online. I also want to get something for my gal, then I'm done. I'm not even sending cards this year, and everything is simple and thoughtful.

this year this year, i am enlarging some pictires that i've taken and buying or making frames for everyone. partially because i can't afford to go shopping, and partially because i think it's more personal. i'm more excited to give the pictures than i've ever been about something store bought! so, i haven't really had to brave the holiday shopping madness.