What is an obvious sign it is Christmas Madness time where you live?

[Bretrick]

Yesterday after work I went to Cannington Carousel Shopping Centre. (I caught the train rather than drive. Me not silly.)
290 stores. 4300 parking bays.
On arrival I see the car parks are full with people driving around in circles waiting for a spot to become free.
I noticed a guy unloading his purchases into the boot of his car, push the trolley away which then hits the front corner of a car cracking the light. We locked eyes, I walked on.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

More food in fridge
Lots of yummy cooking smells from the kitchen
Gingerbread cookies everywhere
Dogs anticipating new toys
My husband sneaking off to buy stuff to surprise me. Bless his heart.
Christmas scented candies
The smell of cinnamon sticks & cloves
Christmas tree a sparklin’
Lots of snow coming down
Cant get away without cleaning the driveway
I actually love it

I’m not where anyone else is and prefer it

 

[dilettante]

I avoid grocery stores during busy hours. Yesterday I thought very early afternoon was safe.

Well the place had wacky shopping cart drivers at every turn. Zooming along, suddenly stopping or veering off in a random direction, then veering in yet another. Stopping to stare at the phone, cart in the middle of the aisle, cocked just enough to block any passage to either side.

I was gritting my teeth at the thought of getting back on the road and encountering their antics out there.

 

[hollydolly]

Easter eggs on the supermarket shelves... I swear...

 

[Gardenlover]

Easter eggs on the supermarket shelves... I swear...

Yes indeed, I went into a Hobby Lobby yesterday and they were putting out Spring merchandise.

 

[Jace]

Yes, 'craziness' everywhere!!

 

[seadoug]

The gym that I go to is next to a Kohl's and I'm having to park farther and farther away. We were at one of our major malls earlier this week so I could buy some gifts for our neighbors and surprisingly it wasn't overly crowded. I think more people are buying online these days.

 

[Naturally]

Had to make a run to Walmart this afternoon and walking in, I grabbed the very last shopping cart.
All the other carts were taken. Place was ka-ray-zee

 

[Fyrefox]

Xmas madness is heralded in my area by the roads being swamped even mid-week by heavy traffic, the cars being driven fast and aggressively as desperation shopping urges kick in. Parking lots are packed, and stores crowded. If you want to pick up even a few routine items, you won’t be breezing in and out, but will face a lengthy wait at check-out. Just relax and watch the clouds of steam emanating almost palpably from other frustrated shoppers…

 

[Paladin1950]

I work in a nursing home. There is no Christmas madness there. I volunteered to work on Christmas Day, like I usually do. My family usually gets together on New Years Day to exchange gifts since some of us are not available on the 25th of December.

Some of the residents get visitors on Christmas. Some don't. We employees try to keep the place cheerful (it's already decorated) and have fun with the residents. We even buy at least one gift for a resident. I bought a gift for a 93 year old woman. No madness. Just people in the Christmas spirit.

 

[hearlady]

I've been home the last few days. The activity has been here with three children running around.
Madness!!!

 

[PamfromTx]

Definately the driving around here!

 

[Jackie23]

Yes..the stores are packed, I try to go early early or ask a family member to pick up something. All the cashiers are smiling and wishing a Merry Christmas.

 

[birdy]

Traffic. It is horrendous. I stay away from the mall till January. Also, the gym is packed and I really dislike that, even though there seem to be enough machines for all.

 

[Liberty]

Stores dragging out junk that has not been sold for years...then putting a " FINAL SALE" sign up and
seeing them being snapped up by last minute shoppers that will buy anything.

 

[hollydolly]

Stores dragging out junk that has not been sold for years...then putting a " FINAL SALE" sign up and
seeing them being snapped up by last minute shoppers that will buy anything.

that' so right.. happens here all the time.. and same with online stores..

Last week I put an item on. my watch list in Amazon, because the price was too high for what it was.. £14 or a hairbrush.. today it told me it was now £10 in the Sale..... with RRP (they were careful not to say previous price)...was £22... ..it wasn't ..it was £14... because of that I won't buy that brush at ll, and went serching on temu to find the exacts same brush at Just $1.88

 

[jujube]

Hard to get a table in the food court at the mall.

 

[hollydolly]

Hard to get a table in the food court at the mall.

you're not kidding me... at the Garden centre yesterday..I went to have a cuppa tea after the hospital appointment.. and I couldn't believe my eyes... it was so packed and there was a huge queue for tables as well ... there wasn't even enough space for me to take a photo of it...truth !

 

[jujube]

What happens is the family parks one member at an open table and then goes to stand in line for a half hour. In the meantime, everyone who has food already circles around and around while their fries get cold, occasionally yelling, "There's a table!" as five families dash to get to it first.

I'm surprised that there aren't more fights. There are a lot of dirty looks, though.....

 

[Bretrick]

Xmas madness is heralded in my area by the roads being swamped even mid-week by heavy traffic, the cars being driven fast and aggressively as desperation shopping urges kick in. Parking lots are packed, and stores crowded. If you want to pick up even a few routine items, you won’t be breezing in and out, but will face a lengthy wait at check-out. Just relax and watch the clouds of steam emanating almost palpably from other frustrated shoppers…

Today I will do a final grocery shop. I will arrive at opening time to avoid the huge crowds.