I actually enjoy the energy and crowds. Then again, I don't go into major stores for things -- mostly I went (when I could still get around enough) to this one particular mall that had kiosks in the middle of the walkways that sold interesting/incidental things. There was one that was there for years before suddenly getting a Real Store in the mall (that was exciting!). And another that had a tiny little shop in the mall, and suddenly moved to a Much Bigger Store. (unfortunately, a few years after that they stopped stocking what I always went to them for - odd and interesting coffees by the bean -- so meh on the move to be bigger and better. )

Then again, while I'm not energy-blind, I am, I've been told, rather adept at not taking other people's negativity into myself, even when it is directed at me.... the results of having an unpleasable overprotective whack-job for a mother, combined with every other adult in my life helping me work around her. I got large, long, strong lessons in "It's not you, it's her." *shrugs*

Malls can be fun - Lots of new things to look for, look at, think of in relation to other people, and license to spend money getting things. And then you give htem away, so they're not cluttering your house!

Alas, I can't walk as well anymore to wander them, nor do we have the money to start with. Holiday presents are gingerbread, and maybe candied ginger again this year. (Tho I'm thinking of convincing my husband to experiment with using pomegranate syrup instead of molasses in the gingerbread. Not sure what it would be, then....)

babbling now, going away