In this age of instant this, online that and web this and that, I have realized I want the real thing. I want a real store with real sales people and real things in which to view. I want to see the personalized dishes at Hillary's and try on the clothes at Abby's Bargain Boutique. I want to sit in the antique chair at Antiques on Mainstreet and pet the cats at Suburban Feed. I want to hear the sweet music at Bud's Music Center and smell the roses at Glenrose Florist. I want to shop, in person, in real time, at a local store. Online shopping has its place and I have been known to shop online if I can't find things in a brick-and-mortar store. But this year, I vow to experience holiday shopping for real. I want to meet a real person, in a real store, selling things I can take home that day, things I can immediately show my friends and family. I know it sounds as though I am taking a step back in time but maybe that is what the holidays are all about. Maybe its about making new friends in town, slowing down a little and actually enjoying shopping. And, if I happen to find a fabulous deal on a new pair of shoes in the process of holiday shopping for my friends and family members, well, that is just a bonus.
