Ahh, the holidays. A time at which we decorate our homes, make delicious cookies, and make it acceptable to be utterly inconsiderate to those around us. I don’t have any specific examples. This isn’t a post predicated by some rude action visited upon me (it’s, in fact, just an excuse to write something in the middle of the night). I’ve been through it. I know the drill. And, because it’s how I am, I’ll be experiencing it this weekend when I start my Christmas shopping.

Yes, start shopping. Don’t judge me. And I understand that last-minute shopping is, in its own way, part of the problem.

Just bear with me.

There will be people bumped and nudged without apology. Doors will not be held. Overworked retail workers will look at customers with dead, sad eyes as they count the seconds to their next break or the sweet release of death, whichever comes first. Parking spaces will be battled for. People will drop packages and no one will help them pick them up (and may, in fact, kick them “accidentally” as they pass). There will be the typical sounds and sights and…ugh…smells of the throngs as they rush around, obligated to their mission that no one will give them more presents than they themselves are giving.

It’s annoying and the tradition is long-lived and you know what? I’m not going to let it get to me this year. I am going to smile and hold doors and pick up fallen boxes. I’m going to make my way from place to place taking whatever parking space is available. Should I bonk any elbows, I will apologize to their owners. Not because I’m a Better Person or trying to seem that way, but because it’s something I want to do. If anyone else wants to do the same, I wholly encourage it. In fact, look for me and we’ll do it together. I’ll be easy to find…I’ll be the one smiling.

b

Filed under: General