Men Shopping..."the observation"

Christmas is a wonderful and beautiful season. I look forward to it every year and I’ve never wanted it to “hurry and be over.” I don’t forget the reason we celebrate Christmas; the Birth of Jesus Christ. He’s in the middle of my crazy fun days and my hectic ones. Most importantly, He’s here after all the packages have been opened and all the company has departed. I’m glad I learned the difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is fleeting; moment to moment. Joy is lasting and stays on its course of peace; no matter what is going on.

I work a few nights a week at “Belk,” a very nice department store. This Christmas season I’ve taken notice of all the men shopping. Often they are walking about like zombies lost in a foreign world with a look of confusion; all the while their gift bags gifts in tow. The ones shopping with their wives or girlfriends are often found sitting ANYWHERE they can find wearing the same look of trepidation.

I cannot help but say hello to them and make some kind of cheerful comment. It has each time caused them to snap out of it and respond with a smile. Yes! They are alive and they CAN make it!!

I helped a man who was searching high and low for a coat for his wife. He was smack in the middle of the women’s coat department yet summoned me to ask, “Is this the coat section?” I said, it is, what are you shopping to find?” He sat down his package of chocolates and tried one of the coats on himself. He said, “She’s about the same size as me. Do you think this will fit her? I said, “Yes, she will look amazing in it.” I turned to walk away and said, “Don’t forget your chocolates. He replied “Thank you for being so helpful, Merry Christmas.”

There was another man shopping that had lost his wife. What does she look like, I asked. He described her to me and we began our search. Come to find out they weren’t even on the same floor level any longer. One woman I stopped to inquire if she belonged to him. She did not but I believe wanted to say yes I do. I then fine-tuned the description of her and moved on. When locating her whereabouts, her only comment was; “Oh there you are. I knew you would find me. You get me anything? He kindly said of course I did and you have to wait for Christmas to see it. They both disappeared in the mass of people on the escalator hand-in-hand.

One of my favorites is watching them shop for purses. They really don’t have a clue what you want because THERE’S TOO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM. Mostly their comment is; “Why ARE there so many? It’s a purse! It has such a simple function. I know it’s not about the logic ladies. Hope you like the one you received.

There are so many other instances I could share with you. Such amazing people shopping for just the right gift to give to someone special. This is the side of shopping that the receiver of the gift does not see.

So, as I observed “men shopping” this is what I found. They are truly looking for a gift that will bless you. They are trying SO hard, and not to mention against many odds of navigating “the mall.” They enlist the help of total strangers like me to help them by asking; do you think she will like this, or I don’t think this is quite the right color of blue. do you have any other shades of blue? It’s her favorite color.

As I’ve had the privilege of watching men shop, these are some of the scenes I step into. I smile because their heart is right and they welcome the help and encouragement. Ladies it might be a little off in color, or size or style or season even, but it was purchased with such love and effort to please you.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

And remember if you need to exchange your gift, do so with a kind reason.