December 16, 2013

People Watching Costs Less Than Shopping....

I happen to be a people watcher.  I enjoy looking at groups of people or just a lone straggler.  Doesn't matter, I'm still entertained by what I see.  When I go to a shopping mall I derive more pleasure out of sitting in the courtyard and observing the vast variety of people who are shopping than I do at finding the best sales items.

 

That was the case this last weekend when I found myself at the grand daddy of shopping meccas, commonly known as the Mall of America.  It was the annual Christmas visit to the monolithic mega mall and I will have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the visit.

 

For one thing, we marveled at the massive, 4-story Christmas trees that deck the main lobby of the mall.  All I can think is that adorning those trees took quite a bit longer than decorating my 8' fir tree. 

 

Everywhere you turned oversized ornaments abounded and lights dangled from the ceilings overhead - it was a sight to see I'll tell you.

 

But even more entertaining than the holiday lights or the amusement park rides or even the stores, for me that is, was watching the plethora of people scurrying and bustling hither and yon.  Most have no idea that they are being studied by this curiosity seeker.....they have but one thing on their mind and that is to quickly and efficiently black out their entire bingo card gift shopping list and then of course go home and put their aching feet up for a well deserved rest.

 

I have nothing against embracing the spirit of giving and there's hardly anyone who loves finding just the perfect gifts for my loved ones than me, but somewhere along the line you could say that things have gotten just a little bit out of hand.

 

Nevertheless, it's good humor watching people.  I can't help it but I often write their story in my mind - paint a picture of who they are and what their tale is.

 

There's the young woman who is darting from table to rack in the women's clothing store.  Close behind her follows her guy, loyally sticking to her like a loving golden retriever (eyes glued to his cell phone which I'm sure makes ladies apparel shopping much more palatable for him).

 

And the loving man following a step behind his wife, at the same time toting her handbag while she corrals the stroller and toddler.  I was touched by that sight. 

 

And the two guys, out on a desperate shopping spree together - maybe there's strength in numbers when one finds himself just days before Christmas and not a clue what to buy his sweety. The moral support never hurts I'm sure.

 

Then there's the dear, sweet aged man sitting across the way from me on a comfy seat, nodding his head into a blissful nap.  I'll admit I was jealous of those few moments that he dozed.  Upon waking he said to me with a smile that he should have brought his pillow along.

 

Yes, shopping can be exhausting labor.  But it's not all about the stores and the spending.  Next time you are in the shopping mall, take a few minutes to watch some people.  I guarantee you'll be entertained, will spend less, and  leave the place feeling a whole lot happier and more relaxed than when you arrived.