jamesq | The Old Man's Tradition

My father had a tradition that I've done myself for years. Save one small, inconsequential, present for Christmas Eve. Go to the mall and buy that present, then sit down for a treat and watch all the last-minute shoppers going nuts. Schadenfreude was something he'd have understood and appreciated, even if he didn't know the term for it.

Today I'll be doing that at Market Mall over the lunch break. It helps that I know a secret place to park the car, so I'm spared that nightmare.

For me it's less about the Schadenfreude and more about just getting a good helping of the Christmas rush without having to feel that stress personally. It reminds me to do my Christmas shopping earlier, not that I did a lot of shopping this year due to poor finances and no time. A handful of friends are getting gift certificates. Some others wil be treated to dinner over the next few weeks.

Work is quiet today since there's only a handful of developers in today. I'm getting lots done for a change since there's no fires to put out.