Christmas Shopping at the Mall... Strangely Enjoyable

Until today, I hadn't set foot inside a mall in probably eight or nine YEARS. That's how much I can't stand malls! The roving bands of cell-phone-addicted teenagers, the garish lights and sounds, the barrage of materialism... it's just too much.

Today, though, after walking around with unbuttoned pants one too many times, I decided to make a trip to a maternity store. The only one near us is in Town Center Mall. I gritted my teeth as I pulled into a parking spot and resolved to make it as quick and painless as possible.

Although it's still early November, the Mall was decked out in Christmas decor... something I used to find annoying. Why not have the decency to hold off until after Thanksgiving, fer cryin' out loud?!

But this time, the wreaths, the lights, the old-fashioned Christmas music playing, seemed... magical!

I suspect one reason I unexpectedly delighted in the early Christmas atmosphere was that by Christmastime, I will be halfway through my pregnancy... truly an amazing thought. Pushing up Christmas festivities makes the 20-week mark seem not so far away.

So this year, as I rejoice in the impending celebration of Christ's birth, I have unspeakable joy in my heart for another new life that God has blessed us with. This Christmas will be especially magical indeed!