SITE SEEING : At Westminster Mall, Browsing Is Half the Fun, and That Half Is Free

There were days, now long past, when my friends and I knew every lava light at Spencer Gifts, every makeup sampler at CVS, and which mall restaurants would let you use the restroom even if you weren’t buying.

Hanging out at the mall. Those days ended when we learned to drive, and now my mall philosophy more closely resembles a SWAT team directive: Park as close as you can to the store of your choice, find what you need quickly and try to leave by the same door you came in.

It’s simple necessity that brings me to the mall these days. I was surprised to find that there is a lot more to see than I would have thought. One thing that hasn’t changed is that a lot of the fun is still free.

11:15 to 11:45: I always like to start with food, and the Westminster Mall has a very pleasant, open food court on the upper floor by Sears. You can dine on anything from soft pretzels to hamburgers or Mexican food.

There is a glass-domed area in the center, complete with a Christmas tree.

11:45 to 12: You’ll notice the Christmas decorations suspended from the mall ceiling, huge “icicles” and oversize tree ornaments. Individual stores have decorated for the holidays, as well.

Earthcraft, which stocks unusual gifts and cards, has some seasonal items on display.

Can’t find that perfect gift for Kitty? Earthcraft is offering a jar of gourmet cat treats for less than $5.

12 to 12:15: The San Francisco Music Box Co. stocks a Merlin music box that plays “Camelot” and a cow inside a glass globe that plays “Beautiful Dreamer.” Prices range from about $29.95 to more than $125.

12:15 to 12:30: Bonsai at Westminster, near Robinson’s, is only open for the holiday season. The miniature trees are prettily decorated and are worth a browse. Prices range from $19 to $135.

12:30 to 12:45: Christmas Close-Outs, also near Robinson’s, is another holidays-only store. This one is perfect if you’re working within a limited budget. You can buy 50 square feet of wrapping paper for $1.59, for example, and holiday decorations are also reduced.

There are bargains on toys as well. A battery-operated dump truck sells for $9.99, while Barbie’s 25-piece Patio Party set is a mere $3.99.

12:45 to 1: Ride the escalator down to the lower level, and you’ll find a store called Glamour Shots. Take a look in the window to see what you can get for $39.95. You can have yourself groomed and photographed with a much-improved appearance, satisfaction guaranteed.

The shop offers “before” and “after” photos as proof of its good work. Personally, I think it should lose the “after” photo of a 7-year-old girl with rouge, lipstick and earrings.

1 to 1:15: The Imaginarium is a toy store that doesn’t seem to mind if the kids try out a few things before buying. A ball, an oversize grasshopper, a car dashboard and a tiny beauty salon lie in wait for small hands.

The kids even have their own entrance.

1:15 to 1:30: The best thing in Natural Wonders is a chocolate model of Earth, which splits open to reveal small chocolate figurines in the shape of endangered animals. Who thought this up? It sells for $20.

The store also carries telescopes, oil lamps and build-your-own-triceratops kits.

1:30 to 2:15: Santa arrived at Westminster Mall last week, and he’s available during mall hours to hear Christmas gift requests.

If you visit on a weekend, there are dance and musical performances of “The Glamour of Christmas” on a nearby stage, where the Buffums entrance used to be: Saturdays at 1, 2 and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 3 p.m.

The music is by local composer Kevin Weed and was recorded by the Orange County Symphony, according to Judith Noerr, who directs the mall performers.