Christmas Countdown

Two days left

It’s Friday, December 23rd. Christmas is in two days. Today and tomorrow, Christmas Eve, will be the last days to hit the malls, shopping plazas, and neighborhood businesses to score last-minute gifts. The stores will be packed with shoppers looking to find deals and deep discounts on everything from clothes to electronics, and of course, toys.

If you’re a crafter, it might be a good idea to create unique pieces for your friends and family. You can also scour thrift stores and bargain shops for finds. Sometimes the best gift is a gently used gift. There are many people in need of winter items, such as hats, gloves, and coats. I found some great head wraps at a thrift store for only $3.

The weather may get in the way these last couple of days. Much of the country will be in a deep freeze from now through Christmas. In Massachusetts, some parts of the start will be digging out from the snow, while other parts are dealing with torrential rain and high winds. On Saturday, Christmas Eve, the state will go into a deep freeze with some areas in the single digits by Christmas Day.

Today is a good day to stay inside, sip some hot tea, and wrap presents. I don’t feel like being outside fighting the wind in my face. I also don’t want to be drenched by the downpour. But I do need to mail out a gift and run a couple of errands. If there’s a lull in the weather, I will make my move and head out.

Some folks will wait until Monday and hit the mall. Kwanzaa begins on December 26th and people will look for retailers to offer up deep discounts. Everything will be on sale as stores look to prepare for the new year and the Spring season. Yes, Spring offerings will be in stores beginning in January.

Retailers love to have items in stores way before the season begins. Spring clothing and shoes will pop up in stores by mid-January. I already saw hints of Valentine’s Day merch in some stores. There are also Black History Month and St. Patrick’s Day items heading to stores soon. It’s a never-ending cycle as we head deeper into winter, and retailers are ready for Spring.

So, if you head out today, please be careful. Wear a mask. We’re still in the midst of the triple epidemic — COVID, RSV, and the FLU. Many malls have long since ended their mask mandates. Every time I see someone coughing near me, I cringe. There’ll definitely be an uptick in cases come January.

Happy Holidays. Seasons Greetings. Merry Christmas. Happy Hanukkah!