The holidays are coming! The holi-daze are here! Christmas songs are jingling and ting-ting-tingling and everyone is rushing around to find the best deals. I realized again today, exactly why I no longer shop for Christmas in person, but rather choose to shop online.

I have always been very sensitive to noise, lights, textures, and crowds. A lot of noise and activity simply over stimulates me. If you have recently visited, your local mall or super store than you know that there is no lack of noise or activity at the stores. Today was a mad house. I swear it could not be busier if the stores were giving away free merchandise.

I became quickly overwhelmed and highly emotional. Thankfully, my supportive and very patient husband was there to suggest that perhaps we should reconsider shopping in person. I usually do not hesitate to buy online but have been unable to do much do to traveling and training for a new electronic record system at work.

I made several valiant attempts to continue shopping at a very busy superstore when I decided to try gift cards. Normally I am very particular in my gift giving, and would usually only use gift cards on our younger generation, but I am out of town, and buying for new my new in-laws.

I also know my limitations and realize I can continue to have an ADD blowout or I can use my ADD creativity and relax and enjoy not only the holidays but visiting with my special daughter and my family.

I spent a little over an hour online choosing the right decorations for my holiday gift cards and am now in the process of using my hotels complimentary printer to print out my holiday cheers.

What I still cannot understand is who would prefer to stand in long slow lines to check out of a hot crowded store when you can shop from the comfort of your home or office. Now I know why I hate Christmas in retail, this is not what the holidays mean, and I am certain this is not how they are suppose to be spent. I prefer being with family and having a wonderful visit. On that, note Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!