Mullis: A little procrastination produces a lot of Christmas Spirit

There are Black Friday shoppers, last-minute shoppers, and the rest of us, who shop the weeks in between.

Those of us in the middle like to digest our Thanksgiving Turkey well into the weekend, but avoid the last-minute scramble before the big day. We shop on a few Saturdays, a couple of evenings after work, and online.

I’ve been Black Friday shopping a few times. Once with my mother, because she was curious, and a few times with my husband, who prefers to do everything as early as possible. It’s a bit nuts, even more so now that Black Friday has spilled into Thanksgiving.

Black Friday shopping is very Christmasy, in that everyone is there for the same reason. It is also very competitive. Even if you have the good sense not to push people for the latest flat screen or stand outside four hours for the latest smartphone, there are deals that “expire” at the under-caffeinated hour of 7 a.m. or coupons good only while supplies last that morning. And supplies never last.

I spent a lot of those Black Fridays in line with Type A folks who were holding flyers, clutching bags, and strategizing the next stop.

It’s a tough crowd.

I’ve also been last-minute shopping, mostly with my father when I was young. Despite having nine people in the family, my father only shopped for my mother. He usually went Christmas Eve, and I usually got to go with him as the female closest in age to my mom. He was casual about the whole thing – happy to be there, happy to people-watch, happy to look at the lights. And I was happy to be with him.

Last-minute shopping is very Christmasy. Everyone is there for the same reason, but the feel is very different from Black Friday. There is no competition, more a sense of camaraderie, like they are all running deadline together. 

During the last few years, I’ve generally remained an in-between shopper, but there are usually a few gifts I end up buying at the last minute. I do this on purpose. Last-minute sales are better than Black Friday sales. No coupons, no “while supplies last,” no waking up at 3 a.m. It’s the people, however, that make it worth my while.

They are the Spirit of Christmasy.

Yes, the parking lots are packed, and the lines are long, and the store shelves are chaotic, but last-minute shoppers are some of the nicest shoppers I’ve ever encountered. They’re quick to smile, quick to wave you in front of them in the parking lot, quick to wish you a “Merry Christmas” in that mirthful way that makes you believe they really mean it.

It’s like shopping with my father’s clones.

These shoppers match the Christmas carols that have been playing on a loop in every store since Halloween – Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men. They’re polite and eager to be of good cheer. More than once, I’ve seen one of them tip their cashier or offer cash to a fellow shopper who’s short at the register. The Salvation Army bell ringers have a steady stream of customers, and if there’s a donation option at checkout, hardly anyone refuses.

Maybe it’s a little guilt over forgetting a loved one’s gift. Maybe it’s a little gratitude for being able to remedy that situation. Maybe the Christmas Spirit is more potent 24 hours out. Whatever the reason, I enjoy these people and I’m glad to shop with them.

Nicole L.V. Mullis is the author of “A Teacher Named Faith.” Contact her at nlvm.columns@gmail.com.