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The Time Has Come
En route from the cereal aisle to the shampoo section at
the Stadium Fred Meyer, I heard it. "Have a Holly Jolly
Christmas," in all its hollow cheeriness, invaded my weary
mind. It was Nov. 11.
Magazines such as Town & Country and Victoria
make holiday shopping look gorgeous and inspiring: Apple-cheeked
women and children in long red coats and furry earmuffs
stride through quaint old-town sections of clean cities.
Snow falls lightly and lights sparkle mischievously. The
shoppers are relaxed and confident. They aren't in a hurry.
Idiot drivers don't plague them at every turn. There is
no tinny Muzak to set their teeth on edge. They aren't strapped
for cash. It isn't raining.
Enough of the visions of sugarplums. You're in Portland,
and you've got some serious shopping to do--even in the
face of the Pokémon onslaught, tinsel that comes
out too early and those persistent clanging bells. A few
tips:
* Small, local retailers create holiday environments--real
brambles instead of plastic greens, offbeat carols--that
actually do put you in the mood.
* Fancy stalwarts such as Saks and Nordstrom display
grandeur that's fun to look at, even if it can't be touched.
* Be nicer to people than they are to you--it'll make
you feel gracious and happy.
* And, naturally, use this gift guide to jumpstart
your plan of attack.
Don't spend it all in one place, OK? Our gift guide
for fashion, new this year, comes out next week.
And just when you'll need it the most, our guide to
gifts under $35 is heaven-sent on Dec. 8.
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Editor
Christina Melander
Design Director
Katherine Topaz
Art Director/
Production Manager
Mariane Zenker
Cover Photography
Michael Parrish
Inside Photography/Design
Anne Reeser
Copy Chief
Becky Ohlsen
Copy Editors
Matt Buckingham
Ian Gillingham
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Contributors
Caryn B. Brooks
Lara Gifford
Naomi Gollogly
Alyssa Isenstein
Trevor Kearney
Brian Libby
Kate Lopresti
Michaela Lowthian
Dave McCoy
Mac Montandon
Beth Nicewonger
Deborah Rossiter
Susan Wickstrom
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