DECEMBER 28, 2006

       December 25 rolls around and lots of us get into a sappy, sentimental feeling as we celebrate Christmas.  In fact, this year we got to have a long weekend to ensure that extra schmoozing time with our loved ones.  But my how that comes crashing down on Boxing Day.

       Bright and early at 5 a.m. people were lined up outside stores ready to get great Boxing Day deals at the big box stores and even some of the smaller ones offering good post-Christmas sales.

       Thankfully I was still tucked away in my bed but by the time I crawled out and woke up at about 10 a.m. I had already got my fill of stories from those hearty early bird shoppers.

       More than one person I spoke to told me of rude, pushy and cart-bashing shoppers they had to deal with when literally running through the store to get, what stores dub the “door crasher” items.  I guess the name is fitting since there are known to be fistfights and all out brawls when it comes to opening the doors in the morning.  I’ve even heard of people falling down and getting trampled by the crowd.

       Apparently people went nuts for $1 DVD players or really cheap CDs.  It made me wonder if people just lose their sense of judgment because it’s Boxing Day or if they really have wanted a DVD player for that long that they have never bought one.  And actually, I bought my parents one this year and while browsing I found you can pick them up for about $25 in some stores.

       Years ago I went to a store and waited outside in the freezing cold (I didn’t camp out and I still got a decent place in line) and I remember the frenzied energy people had.  As soon as the doors opened people literally ran into the store.  This was before the day of retail outlets hiring security guards and calling in police to oversee the operation for the day.

       Watching the shoppers act like children – they were all hands and grabbing at things – it made me wonder where the decorum was lost.  I would expect this kind of response from people if there was a food or water shortage in this country but not when it comes to getting high-end electronics for low, bargain basement prices.

       So it was not more than 24 hours earlier many of these people were nicely dressed enjoying a tasty Christmas dinner with family and then they are bundled up in snowsuits and kicking the crap out of others to get a great deal.  It almost brings a tear to my eye to see such holiday spirit!