Santa Claus is coming to town...

It is the time of the year when we start hearing Christmas carols and jingles at shopping complexes. The amount of money and time spent to decorate the shops, and hopefully attract actual shoppers willing to part with their money, must be huge. Though the Christian population in Malaysia is considered relatively small, the transformation at this time of the year seems disproportionate to their number. It had attracted some criticisms before, from Muslims who complained that not enough decorations were in place in the same complexes during their festive seasons.

One reason for the willingness to spend on such decorations could be the hype and commercialization, which had attracted some who are not Christians but would not mind having a lighted Christmas tree and presents to decorate their homes. To the retailers, these are the prospective customers whom they are trying to influence. If Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Teachers’ Day, and so on, could bring in the bucks, why not?

Spotted a cartoon with the following:
Sitting under a sign, ‘Gift Ideas’, the man replied to a customer’s query, ‘Sorry, pal, you’re too late. I’m completely out of ideas.’
And another cartoon with the following:
A Mall Directory signboard showing ‘You’re here X’ ‘now…where’s your Christmas spirit?’

Anyway, someone has a different perspective of our conventional idea of shopping:

Shopping for Love

I am flat broke from overspending at Christmas time. But I need to go shopping again soon because I am completely out of self-respect. I've said things I wish I could take back and I am not feeling too good about myself.

I also want to exchange a carton of self-righteousness for an equal amount of humility. I hear that it is less expensive and wears well, and while I'm at it I'm going to check on tolerance and see if there is any available in my size.

I must remember to try to match my patience with the little I have left. My neighbour is loaded with it and it looks awfully good on her. I was told the same department has a repair shop for mending integrity. Mine has become frayed around the edges from too much compromising. If I don't get it refurbished soon, there won't be any left.

I almost forgot the most important thing of all -- compassion. If I see some-no matter what the color, size or shape -- I'm going to stock up heavily regardless of the price. I have run out of it so many times and I always feel ashamed when it happens.

I don't know why it has taken me so long to get around to shopping for these items. They don't cost nearly as much as some of the frivolous things I bought at Christmas time.
And I'll get a lot more satisfaction from them.

Yes, I'm going shopping today and I can leave my checkbook and credit cards at home! The things I'm looking for have no price-tags. What a joy!