As I went shopping Saturday with my wife and two young sons, there was a clear objective. We had a list and knew the stores we were going to attack.
This wasn’t a Christmas shopping trip, rather it was a trip to restock a house that is routinely ravaged by three children. Simply, there was stuff we needed and needed quick.
But as we wound our way through one aisle after another, one boy in a cart controlled by my wife, and another, following behind, that I controlled with our other son, I couldn’t help but start thinking of the upcoming Christmas shopping requirements with impending doom.
I, like most guys, are not what you would call shoppers. Rather, we are buyers.
When I go shopping, it is usually straight to the area that has what I need; I get it and then proceed as quickly as possible to the checkout line. For me, it is a game to see how fast I can get what I need and usually I do so in record time.
But, with my wife and two boys, there is a list, which I have been told numerous times is simply a “starting point for what we need.” Usually, the items that end up in the basket far out number the items on the list.
But, there was one aisle that made it all worth it.
When we turned the corner and saw the display of Santa hats, it was if the world stopped turning and all there was a dad, his two boys (both under the age of 3) and a desperate need to try on Santa hats.
For the next 20 minutes or so, we went from one size to the next, one style to the other, until — after all was said and done — we had five Santa hats in the cart, one for each of us, including or daughter who missed the shopping trip altogether.
It was just something about having far too much fun with Santa hats that made, what is often a stressful experience, worth it and “almost” enjoyable.
As we work our way through the Christmas shopping season, it has become our mission, to fill out our gift lists with those items purchased within Vicksburg and Warren County and it is mission many others would take on as well.
This area is blessed with so many national retailers, outlets and “big box” stores, but also the smaller, locally-owned and niche stores where many of the best holiday finds can be found.
It is important we continue to support our local businesses, not just because of the important tax dollars that stay home, but also because of the jobs it creates and the economy that it sustains.
As we get into the rush of the upcoming holidays, let me also take the time to offer what will be the first of many best wishes for you and your family.
Have a great time this season and if you spot a dad and his two boys trying on Santa hats and riding bikes through the store, remember, we’re just trying them out.
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Tim Reeves is publisher of The Vicksburg Post and can be reached by email at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com or by phone at 601-636-4545 ext. 122.