My favorite stores to shop at during the Christmas season By Sam, Slacks to Sweats Podcast

I don’t know about you, but once November rolls around, every store feels like a little holiday escape. The lights, the music, the sparkly displays... even if I’m not buying anything, I just want to wander the aisles and soak it all in. As a Wisconsin mom who lives for seasonal magic, Christmas shopping is less about the purchases and more about the whole vibe.

Here’s where I love to go each year — because the decorations are wild, the music is on point, and the nostalgia is real.

Why holiday shopping in stores hits differently

When a store transforms for Christmas, it’s like stepping into a tiny festive universe. A few things that make it irresistible to me:

Holiday decor everywhere – garlands, ornaments, twinkling lights, cozy displays.

Music that wraps around you – the classic songs that bring back memories from childhood. That warm, fuzzy feeling you only get in December: the scent of pine, glitter everywhere, and people smiling just a little bit wider. Whether I'm in a big-box store or a small boutique, this stuff turns a regular errand into a holiday mini‐adventure.

Menards: my unexpected favorite Christmas wonderland

Yes, it’s random — and I love that about it.

Menards is my absolute favorite place to be during the holidays. Why? Because they go all out on festive. Their holiday section is called The Enchanted Forest, and it’s legendary. It’s not just a few shelves of ornaments; it’s a full-on immersive display with lights, trees, and decorations that feel like something out of a storybook.

A recent news article about the Menards in Big Rapids talks about how the store is decked out in its Christmas best, labeled The Enchanted Forest, and has been doing this for decades. It’s part of the store’s identity during the season.

So yeah, I’ll walk in for tape and come out two hours later with a light‐up snowman, a new wreath, and an emotional attachment to a giant reindeer. It’s magical chaos, and I adore it.

What this means for me

It’s not about buying a ton; it’s about the experience of seeing everything festive at once. It scratches that itch for holiday wonder more than most places. It’s a story I’ll tell my kids for years, like, remember that time we got lost in Menards’ Christmas

forest?

The mall: my nostalgic holiday time machine

If Menards is the over‐the‐top wonderland, the mall is my nostalgia core memory.

Walking through the mall in December is like stepping back to my childhood, where shopping wasn’t just errands — it was an event.

Some of my favorite mall moments:

Giant tree in the center with shining lights. Music echoing down the halls, sometimes even live performances or carolers. Santa meet‐and‐greets that transported me to the year’s most anticipated visit. The smell of cinnamon pretzels or warm treats from the food court. The buzz of families all decked out in cozy layers, laughing and sharing moments.

Now, as a mom, it’s even sweeter. I get to relive that feeling and create new memories with my kids — showing them what my holiday shopping looked like, pointing out the same decorations, and enjoying the same festive music.

Why I keep going back

The mall atmosphere reminds me that the holidays are supposed to feel special — not rushed or just transactional. It’s a perfect place to slow down, look at lights, and breathe in the season. Even if I buy nothing, I leave feeling more connected to Christmas traditions.

Other stores I can’t resist during the holidays. I’ll be honest: I’m an equal‐opportunity Christmas shopper. If there’s a holiday aisle, I’m somewhere near it. A few more favorites that always pull me in:

Target – Their seasonal aisles somehow get better every year. I love browsing their ornaments, mugs, and cozy decor, even if I don’t plan to buy.

TJ Maxx / HomeGoods – treasure hunts for unique decor, fuzzy throws, and fun holiday kitchenware. You never know what gem you’ll find.

Wisconsin boutiques – I’m all about supporting small businesses, especially during the holidays. Local shops often have the most charming and unique pieces.

Even the grocery store – yes, truly. Holiday endcaps, special displays, festive packaging — it all adds to the magic. Basically, if a store has Christmas music playing, I’m already inside with a little skip in my step.

Final thoughts: it’s really about the feeling

At the end of the day, Christmas shopping isn’t just about gifts. For me, it’s about the feeling — the lights, the nostalgia, the jingles, the laughter. It’s a chance to slow down, let myself smile like a kid again, and share that joy with my family.

So, if you’re wandering through Menards or strolling the mall this season, take a moment to look up, listen to the music, and soak in the festive energy. That’s the real gift.

From my heart to yours, happy shopping, happy memories, and happy holidays.