writing for self-discovery

I know it’s way, way too early, but I’ve been bitten by the Christmas bug and have started a frenzied accumulation of holiday decor.

Why now, I ask myself. Why at this particular point in my life have I suddenly become obsessed with Christmas? It has nothing to do with religion – I am far more Buddhist in my practices than anything else. But as darkness descends earlier, and daylight hides under a pallor of gray clouds, I’ve developed a voracious hunger for color and sparkle.

I blame this early obsession partly on the closure of Highway 169 through Aitkin, my familiar trail to the Twin Cities, and partly on Family Pathways Thrift Stores. On my recent trips to Minneapolis to see grandsons, I was forced to take Highway 65. Who knew that route was litered with golden thrifting opportunities right on the road in plain sight? 

Bargain shopping is an addiction and I will not, under any circumstances, resist the urge to stop and peruse for treasures. The fact that I always find something wonderful feeds the demon.

I wasn’t familiar with Family Pathways Thrift, so when the sign appeared requiring a simple left turn at the light, my pulse quickened.

Just inside the door was a winter wonderland. Oh, my! Wreaths and garlands, baubles, trees, and ribbons, elves, candles, reindeer, strings of lights…a Cornucopia of Christmas paraphernalia, and I was hooked. Doomed. Thrilled!

I made a haul, got in the car, and twenty miles down the road, there! Could it be? Another Family Pathways!

Of course, I stopped and spent two more hours of sheer shopping bliss. If anything, there was even more abundance at that location.

I’m almost embarrassed to say, but I made a third stop. Heritage Thrift. I mean…it was RIGHT THERE! I could not in good conscience bypass it. I found a pair of beautiful leather boots, a sweater, scarf, and gloves.

What is usually a 3-hour trip from my house to my daughter’s, that day took 7 hours.

I never shop retail. Boring! I much prefer to be surprised. And I always get 3 or 4 times more for the dollars spent. Plus, the items I find are unique and special, like I said, treasures.

Thrifting isn’t for everyone. My daughters have made that perfectly clear. But it’s a harmless hobby, and I like the idea that I’m part of the recycling circle. When I’ve finished with the things I aquire that others have donated, I turn around and donate them again.

This last trip back from the Cities, 169 was open. Before I started home, I Googled Family Pathways and, sure enough, two of the towns I’d pass through had stores. Unlike my Hwy 65 route, I’d have to leave the highway. Did I care? Is the Pope Catholic?

Needless to say, I’m set for the holidays. As of today, my lighted, 6′ tree stands sentinel on the deck.

Is it terribly gauche of me not to wait until after Thanksgiving? Or at least until it snows?

My sister says her cilantro plants are starting to grow again. They’re outside! Who knows, snow may be a thing of the past. I’m not waiting.