(no subject)

If the atmosphere of last-minute christmas shopping is "desperation", the air of last-minute halloween shopping is "nonplussed". I went to a party store this morning, and it was packed with people just milling around, not talking or interacting, half-heartedly picking up items, briefly considering whether they are workable or usable, then putting them back down and moseying over to another location to start over with examining all the packages, waiting for inspiration or direction. It really was like shopping with zombies. And I was totally one of them. Luckily I walked out before the compulsion to "Buy SOMEthing, ANYthing" kicked in.