On Holiday

Clothes for fans of the Hallmark Channel

Two weeks before Christmas, and I'm tired of looking at screens. It was time to meet real people and examine real merchandise in nearby brick-and-mortar stores.

The first task was to buy presents for the Samaritan House kids. Target and Costco had a broad selection of clothes, toys, food, and gift cards, and the shopping for 10 people was done in four hours.

At Hallmark I picked up a sympathy card. Sadly, I've been buying a lot of them recently.

A few more items on the gift list were checked off at the renovated Hillsdale mall.

The Apple Store moved to a premier location fronting the square. Charging the purchase to the Apple Card, I felt only fleeting satisfaction from the 6% cash back on Apple merchandise; it wasn't enough to offset the 9.25% sales tax in San Mateo County.

I gave the Samaritan House gifts to Clara, who will wrap and deliver them. I've played Santa before but don't have the requisite cheeriness. She does, and so we make a good team. At Christmas time play to your strengths. Take a holiday from working on your weaknesses, and save them for next year's resolutions.

Apple Store (left) at the renovated Hillsdale Shopping Center