Spinoff
This Christmas, shop at home
Mary HENKEL JUDSON

It's not beginning to look at all like Christmas - not even for Port Aransas.

There was a saying when I was in middle school (referred to as "junior high" then) that gave us license to curse. It was, "Spring has sprung, fall has fell, and it's just about as hot as hell."

Besides it being an indication of how times have changed with regard to cursing, the saying describes the current weather.

These 80-degree-plus days make it hard not only to buy "fall/winter" clothes, but Christmas presents as well. We may have a long wait for our first real cold front, but if we wait for the weather to change to buy Christmas presents, we might miss Christmas.

Like it or not, it's time to get with it, and I'm here with my annual recommendation to shop Port Aransas first.

Make your list. Look it over, then make a turn through the shops in town before jumping on the Internet or heading for Corpus Christi. You may find out that you've cut your list in half without leaving the city limits, via the asphalt highway or the information highway.

If men's, women's or children's clothing is on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If jewelry is on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If home décor is on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If furniture is on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If accessories are on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If shoes are on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If objects d'art are on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If original artwork is on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If pottery is on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If wine/bar accessories are on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If cookbooks or coffee table books are on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If children's books are on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If personal services such as manicures, pedicures, facials and massages are on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If fishing gear is on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If a guided fishing trip is on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If a gift certificate for dinner is on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If potpourri or scented candles are on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If kitchen accessories are on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

If gourmet foods are on your list, shop Port Aransas first.

This list is, by no means, complete - but you get the picture.

And you can thank me for putting you miles ahead of your Christmas shopping while saving you miles on the road by shopping Port Aransas. And, of course, let the South Jetty be your shopping guide!

Remember, a community that shops together, stays together.

Merry Christmas, y'all!