Holinsanity

Holinsanity: noun. The particular type of insanity people, especially parents, get around the holidays.

The other day I was watching the Office (the American version with Steve Carell). In the beginning of the episode, Dwight researches what toy will be most popular that year and slowly buys out that toy from all of the area stores. Then, as Christmas creeps closer, he sells the toys to desperate parents and makes a huge profit. Despite paying $200 for a rather freaky looking doll, the parents go away completely thrilled and thanking Dwight for his help.

There's not much of a chance I'm going to spend $200 for a $15 toy even if it is the hottest toy of the season. OK, I admit Monkey Son #1 is getting an in-demand pirate ship, but I didn't kill myself trying to get it, either.

In a semi-related story, Younger Sister decided to go out to the early morning Black Friday sales. She explained that when you only have a certain amount to spend, you want to get the best deal you can. She was out the door at about 4am. Although she came back very happy with her purchases and the small amount she paid for them, she did tell me people were being crazy. She was told that before she arrived at a particular store, people were arguing and saying things like, "Just because you're fat doesn't mean you get to go first." Merry Christmas to you, too, I suppose.