TROY, Mich. -- Rod Allen patiently stolled through the aisles at the sporting goods store at Oakland Mall, checking out the selection of new baseball gloves. The former Tigers player and longtime team television analyst wasn't shopping himself, as much as he was waiting on a friend who had a list to pick out.
It's the kind of task that can give a reluctant, impatient holiday shopper a bout of nerves. Some might wish they could be anywhere else. This early December evening, however, was a reminder that holiday shopping is a gift itself for many, especially those who struggles to put presents under the tree.