Santa brought an early present to Casa del Ensalada by putting the Florida Gators into the NCAA national championship football game.
Where did we watch the Gators beat the Arkansas Razorbacks to earn that honor?
At the mall, of course.
While doing some Christmas shopping, we'd sneak a peek at a TV in a store or somewhere else in the mall.
We happened upon this Brighthouse kiosk that was surrounded by Gator fans just as the Gators increased their lead to 10. Fans were muttering that USC had lost and that we might get to play in the national championship game if we won. Several shoppers had their Gator gear on as they stood and watched.
We watched the final few minutes while shopping at Sports Fan Attic. All the sales guys there were putting fresh Florida hats and shirts on, even though the store was about to close. They hadn't moved any gear up to the front of the store yet. That would happen on Sunday, they said.
Other stores weren't so tardy. Dillard's had tons of Gator duds out on the racks, including one rack that was sort of telling.
Only two of these shirts on the half-off rack were Gator shirts. The rest were all Florida State.
As it should be, of course.