$20 and a Strip Mall

When we are traveling over Christmas break, we generally count part of the trip as the “gift” we give to each other and then spend less on traditional gifts. This helps reduce the number of items we have to pack and bring with us.  

We also have a family tradition for when we are traveling. A game, if you will. 

The rules are pretty simple. 

1. Find a touristy shopping area. A strip mall or some downtown area will do nicely. You do not want it to be very big. For instance, a few years ago we played this game in the small waterfront shopping area in Bandon, Oregon. It’s about two main streets wide and five or so blocks long. If you were desperate, you could use a department store, but I don’t recommend it. You must clearly establish the geographic boundaries before the game starts. Some people will cheat on this point, but set out the boundaries anyway. (I’m looking at you Lana and Mom.)
2. On Christmas Eve, towards the end of the day, the entire group meets just outside of the established boundaries to draw names. (I recommend checking the hours of operation for the shopping area you are using since these are often reduced on Christmas Eve.) Everyone’s name goes into the hat. No exceptions. Young and old alike draw a name. You cannot have your own name.
3. Establish a dollar amount and make everyone repeat the number out loud. We generally use $20.
4. Establish a time frame. We use one (1) hour. No more.
5. Go! Everyone splits up, with the exception of young children. They may need assistance from an adult to stay safe and make purchases. The goal is to find the best gift for the person whose name you have drawn and meet back at the rendezvous point before the hour has expired.

The catch--you know there is one with the Wild Family. 

You cannot get spotted by other group members. One time I spent 10 minutes in a book store crouched behind a display of pens to avoid detection by my mom. 

If you make eye contact with another group member, you both have to play a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors on the spot. The loser has to leave the store. 

Eventually, some shopkeeper will notice you bobbing and weaving through their store like a drunken shoplifter, and they may question your behavior. At this point, I suggest that you explain the game to them. I’m fairly certain that when you carefully look around the shop, you’ll be able to point out at least one other person trying to stay out of sight by way of example--check behind the pen display. A point of order here--it’s just not right to point out completely random strangers as if they are part of the game. Unless, of course, they actually are shoplifting. Then you should point them out right away.  

Anyway, an observant shopkeeper can actually be a great asset in this game. There have been a few times when a helpful shopkeeper has whispered loudly, “He’s right over there.” as they point across the store. This will give you and “He” a chance to hide from each other and, perhaps, avoid the shame of being “Rock, Paper, Scissored” out of the store.  

I love to finish my shopping and get back to the meeting place a few minutes before the time is up. That way I can watch the people who are cutting it close come racing in trying to make it under the wire.  

While there’s no official penalty for being late, you do open yourself up to ridicule and mocking by the rest of the group who made it back “on time”. Did I mention that the mocking and slow-motion replay of your skidding into the meeting place will be reenacted by the other members of your group for the rest of the trip? No worries. I’m sure it is all in good fun. 

Now, you may think that staying hidden from each other is the hardest part. It’s not. The trickiest part is to find the perfect gift—the one thing that captures the essence of the person you drew—within the confines of a few kitschy tourist shops, a high end art gallery and an eatery.  

I assure you that with a little creativity, it can be done. I don’t know if dad ever received a better gift than the balsa wood airplane mom scored for him from a shop in the strip mall at Ocean Shores and I still enjoy the oil and vinegar dips my niece got me from the small specialty shop in Bandon.  

Next time you plan a family get-away around the holidays, consider skipping the big gifts and opt for the opportunity to make a fantastic memory instead.