8 Comments
User's avatar
Terry Freedman's avatar

I find it interesting to learn about other people's/culture's traditions. I never go shopping on festival days because I can't stand the crowds.

Thinking that you and your ma are an item suggests that either she looks amazingly young, or you look pretty old. Which is it? Lol

Expand full comment
Matthew Murray's avatar

LOL! A doctor once told her that she looked a lot younger than she actually was. I've been told that too.

Expand full comment
Raphy Mendoza's avatar

This is the first time I've ever read about Black Friday and Christmas shopping, and it not make me want to cry with anxiety at just imagining the crowds. Congratulations... 😅.

It triggered a memory too... of the first time I did Christmas shopping on my own as an 'adult' (I think I was 17 or 18 at the time). I was in a questionable relationship. The events in and of itself is probably mundane, but I think there's a story to explore in the internal experience of the whole thing.

Thanks for the inspiration!

Expand full comment
Matthew Murray's avatar

I'm glad I helped you out Raphy! This proves my writing can help someone.

Expand full comment
Mark M.'s avatar

Our mall down here in Vero is terrible so sometimes we'll travel a bit North for the Melbourne Mall. It's still pretty active and has a decent variety of stores. We haven't made it up to Viera yet, but maybe someday.

My first year down here, my wife and her sister drug me along for Black Friday "deals" (which there weren't many of) and it was o.k. We haven't been since and usually wait for the Cyber Monday deals to order things online.

Sounds like you and your mom had fun, though, and that's what counts :)

Expand full comment
Matthew Murray's avatar

Only been to your mall once. We made a few trips to the Vero Beach Outlets. The name of that place has changed so many times. Haven't been down there in like 20 to 25 years. It was a quick trip down I-95.

Expand full comment
Holly Rabalais's avatar

Great memories, Matt! I have many family members who are all about the Black Friday shopping experience, but I prefer to stay home relaxing in my pjs in front of the TV!

Expand full comment
Matthew Murray's avatar

Thank you Holly! I haven't been able to do it in a few years. I miss seeing all of the decorations and everything in the stores.

Expand full comment