Deck The Malls

I has to go to the Bank on Wednesday, and so walked from one Park’n’Ride stop to the other, via the Bank, and through the Highcross Mall.

The shops were relatively empty, and in John Lewis, two assistants were already reducing Christmas decorations to half price.  And the Elf by Santa’s Grotto looked so bored. “It is really quiet” said the Girl in Boots. [That’s where she was working, not her footwear!]

Once again, we come to the Holiday Season, a deeply religious time that each of us observes, in his own way, by going to the mall of his choice.

So said Dave Barry, an American comedian. His remark isn’t really that funny.

My Bible reading notes today referred to the Gauvreay quote about “people who spend their lives doing things they detest to make money they don't want to buy things they don't need to impress people they don’t like”

What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul?

If the recession means that some people are beginning to realise there is life beyond shopping for trivia, maybe it will do some good.

Sadly, for a lot of people the New Year will not be bright, with impending redundancies and real financial hardships. If we are among those blessed with jobs and income, let us be generous, and sensitive to those without.