I'm not sure if any one else see this phenomenon or not, but it has happened in the town I live in for years. It's like a scene out of the Shining, but is as real as I am.
A normal year has 365 day's in it, unless it is leap year, but it still happens on those years too. It has to be mystical, almost spiritual possession, at least in my case. There is no rhyme or reason for it other than a spiritual take over. Each year it is occurs on a different day of the week, doesn't matter if it is a full moon. Rain or shine, warm or cold, it comes anyway. Speaking strictly for myself (this might be one of those secrets) I feel it during the day but as the day moves to evening, the urge is so strong it would be hard to fight, not that I would want it to. For years I didn't pay much attention to it, but then I noticed the same faces each year. These are not people I knew, from anywhere else, just this mysterious gathering. No one is doing anything weird, there is almost a party mood. People who normally never speak are throwing up their hands, welcoming me like I was part of reinforcements to starving troops.
For a while it was hard to get a bearing on this (weird) gathering, as not everyone you see is part of it. I can only say it happens at the place I am drawn to, it might happen in other places but I feel the draw to my spot.
What is it? Kamikaze Christmas shopping!!!! I named it that because I have only one mission, and depending on the crowd this could become dangerous. Who is entering my body, and the bodies of others causing me to go to this meeting? I have written it off as the Ghost of Christmas! For 20+ years, on Christmas Eve. I venture to the local Mall, on a mission, one that could be easily avoided with just a little more planing.
I have never been someone who reads between the lines, hints don't get through. I need clear directions on what to buy everyone for Christmas. Other holidays you will be shopping for one or two, but on this day you have to (or want to) give, give, give! So did I pay attention to the hints thru out the year? I can't remember what I had for supper yesterday. That is the beauty of this gathering, this seems to hit many men at the same time each year, and the only place I ever see them is at the Mall, December 24th. any year! When I walk into the Hallmark store you will see guy who you have no idea who they are holding up cards telling you to come look at this one!!!!
The mission that Kamikaze shopping hinges on getting whatever you can for under the tree. Yes it would be lovely to get something really wanted, but usually there is not much left. I could be at Sears and a voice over the loud speaker says 10 left we have slashed the price, (again, who cares what it is). So (again depending on the crowd) you might have to dive bomb into a table to get you share of the spoils. Wrong size, or color? Who cares, they can take it back!
Very few rule at a time like this, but the main one is NO CORDS for the lady in your life. Buying something with an electric cord on it could get you thrown over side upon landing back on the carrier. Jewelry is a safe bet, but I still think this is what seems to fill up her jewel box with stuff she didn't have the heart to tell you it was junk and smiles and has a great day anyway, as long as there was no electric cords!
Lately I have been wondering if these men are ghosts? I would say there are anywhere from 75 - 100 guys you feel like you know on this mystical night, so how is it I never see them again until next Christmas eve? It might be interesting to take a camera and see if these guys are solid or just a wisp of Ectoplasm. A word of caution most of these guy look like construction worker so picture might get you killed!!!!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy winter solstice, and for those of you who have no belief in a Creator, Have a nice day!
Steve
