‘Tis the season. Christmas is just around the corner and as usual, I find myself scrambling for something to put under our tree.

When I was in high school, I’d make a point of waiting until Dec. 24 before I began the annual trek to the mall. I say annual because that’s what it was, a once-a-year contest to see how quickly I could get in and out.

I really didn’t spend a lot of time picking out that special gift in those days. My girlfriends at the time could count on a bottle of “Charlie” purchased at the local Shoppers Drug Mart.

If I were lucky, there’d be some sort of special offer where if you bought the big bottle of the famed perfume you’d get a “free” umbrella or something similar. Of course, I’d wrap this special gift pretending I put a lot of thought into it. These gifts, a box of Turtles, and I was good to go. ‘The more stuff the better,’ I used to say.

Back then I didn’t have credit cards so everything I bought was paid for in cash (which I didn’t have much of.) That put me on a strict budget that I’d usually spend by the time I left Shoppers Drug Mart. My mom would of course come to the rescue and help me fund the remainder of the presents.

This routine lasted throughout high school but came to an abrupt end in college.

I know, it’s not how much the gift is, it’s the thought that counts. But as you can see, I didn’t put a lot of thought into the process.

You can imagine the look on my face when my girlfriend gave me a London Fog leather jacket. Although she didn’t say anything at the time, I’m thinking the Charlie just didn’t cut it.

Today, I’m leaving myself at least a few days to make my selections. I go to the malls, and I think about what I’m buying. I do admit, my wife does most of the shopping, although my plate is full buying for a few selected individuals (my dog and her).

I’m thinking I may take this gift buying experience to the next level and start using E-Bay. If they had it back in high school I’m betting I wouldn’t have gone through so many girlfriends. By the way, I recall receiving a few bottles of “Brut” in my day so I guess the word had gotten around. Happy Holidays to all!

– Rob Wilkins is the publisher of Truck News and he can be reached at 416-510-5123.