Parking spaces, usually a highly competitive game resembling bumper cars and Medieval warfare, are not cause for mayhem as people wait patiently for spaces or park far out and walk in, enjoying the crisp but sunny weather. Walking from the parking lot to the store isn't an exercise in cheating death; cars actually stop to let people walk by.
Shoppers pack the aisles of the stores, but there is no pushing or moving of carts. People are smiling and laughing and helping each other find things and reminiscing about childhood toys, many of which are making comebacks and line the shelves. We even hold the place in line so a woman can go grab the tape she forgot. And the lines ... so long ... move quickly. "So sorry for the wait," the cashiers say over and over again, but really it is unnecessary. The wait is minimal, and everyone is chatting amiably.
In a case of full disclosure, I do not go to the mall. I do, however, drive by it, and the traffic is moving along. I know my limits on a regular Saturday, let alone a Saturday before Christmas because I may be nutty, but I'm not insane.
