It's Monday again, so here's a video that perfectly illustrates the rest of the work week.

A freak storm surprised residents of Scandinavia last week, giving them just 24 hours to prepare before striking with destructive winds.

The sea port town of Ă…lesund was hit hard by "Ivar," which left much damage in its wake and thousands without power.

Still, many Christmas shoppers weren't deterred, deciding to brave the gale-force gusts to do some last-minute gift-buying.

Photographers lined up within a safe distance to capture amusing footage of these intepid souls struggling to cross a downtown street while nature does its best impression of Gandalf's "you shall not pass."

Let's watch.

[video via Euronews]