Excited About Costco Membership, Also No Longer Youthful and Vibrant

I'm officially no longer youthful and vibrant. I can see my younger self in the rear view mirror waving goodbye to me as I speed away with my graying hair and balding head. Some lower back pain, tired eyes from 3 kids. I'm speeding away because I've got our inaugural Costco trip to make with my wife. I never thought I'd be excited to be going to a store, but now that I have a Costco membership... I don't need any judgement, just back pats and high fives from other people who've left their younger selves in a cloud of dust on the side of the road.

I'm not sure what I should get first. Should I immediately swing by for the celebrated Costco Hotdog soda combo? Nothing better than a Kirkland hot dog. Especially if you're tossing that pork missile down your throught at the turn on a golf course (It just hits differently.) Should I book it directly to the Kirkland brand T-shirts and pants? You can probably get a pack of 35 boxer briefs for like 7 bucks. Do they still give out free sample around every turn? I don't know, but you're damn sure we're going to find out. I already know about the rotisserie chicken. Anytime my mom or mother in law goes to Costco it's a standing request for a rotisserie chicken.

I'm probably going to need to block off half of my dad when I make this initial trip. Gotta learn the lay of the land, do they hand out maps? Imagine you walk in and are greeted with a Kirkland chicken and a Kirkland branded store map to help guide you to what you need. Who doesn't need 30 rolls of toilet paper in one stop?

I found this list of the 20 Costco items people just couldn't stop buying in 2023. Guess i'm going to need to try some of them. Please keep my youthful past in your thoughts and prayers. Maybe I can buy a Kirkland branded cane or walker.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, you may be wondering which places in Philadelphia are open on Christmas Day.

Sometimes, you forget the rolls for Christmas dinner. You're stuck. Where do you go? Nowhere will be open on Christmas, right? Wrong!

You don't celebrate Christmas, but the kids are rowdy and bored. It's their break from school and you need something to do. Movie theaters are open, but the kids don't seem like they can sit for that long. Surely nowhere else is open for a fun activity, right? Wrong again!

You're on your way to Grandma's house for Christmas dinner. She lives a few hours away, so you have to leave around lunchtime. Shoot! You forgot to eat lunch or bring anything with you. You have to wait until you get to Grandma's, right? You'll show up starving and dinner won't even be ready, right? Wrong for the third time!

There are a number of businesses that keep their doors open on Christmas Day for common issues like the ones I just described. Stop by to pick up what you need, or have some fun, and thank the people who are working on the holiday.

Forgot the cranberries? Acme is typically open on Christmas Day, but hours may vary depending on location. In the past, the grocer has been open typically from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check your local store to be sure.

Wawa is always here for you, even on Christmas. In the past Wawa has been open on Christmas 24/7. Keep on the lookout for more word from Wawa, but they will likely be open for you to grab a hoagie on your travels.

Though Scuba Santa will have returned to the North Pole by Christmas, the aquarium’s seasonal decor — including the “World’s Tallest Underwater Christmas Tree” in Shark Realm — will still be on display throughout the animals’ homes on Christmas Day. Stop by to wish all the sea life a merry “Fishmas.” The aquarium has reduced hours on December 25th, open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kids full of energy? Take 'em skating. Both the Blue Cross RiverRink at Penn’s Landing and Rothman Rink at Dilworth Park are open on Christmas Day. Hours are shortened so check their websites. There’s plenty of time for afternoon skating that won’t be too crowded. Both spots have warm drinks and comfort food, too.

Longwood Gardens is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Christmas Day. The holiday experience is already sold out at night, so while you can’t see the gardens lit up, you can still catch the festive displays and stroll the gorgeous grounds during the day. Get tickets in advance!

Live closer to a Giant? In the past, most Giant locations have been open on Christmas between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you need to pick up stuffing or some desserts, they got your back.

Ah, no day is the same without your morning coffee. Don't fret, because most Dunkin' stores keep their doors open on Christmas Day. Hit up the drive-thru for a special Christmas box of donuts, or sooth your soul with a hot coffee.

It rocks that a fast food restaurant will be open and available for you to buy a snack on your travels. If you have hungry passengers, some nuggets and fries are sure to please.