December 23, 2009
-
Merry Christmas?
I am quite fond of Christmas. It’s a season for family and friends and fantastic food. I love the lights and the cool weather. The promise of snow and an excuse to drink hot chocolate is always a wonderful way to bring a smile to my face.
However, there is an ugly side to the holidays.
I can appreciate that it can be stressful; trying to find that perfect gift while you’re running against the clock. I can even understand the frustration of a long line-up and congested aisles. But, in spite of it all, I cannot understand why people feel compelled to be malicious and beyond reasonably angry.
I will, for the moment, put aside the fact that I’m working in retail. This in and of itself has given me a front row seat to the deplorable behaviour of the consuming public. But I believe that the holiday retail experience is something a great many people can understand, so I’m not going to waste time on that.
What I do feel compelled to voice my frustrations about is just the general lack of respect I see in a season that’s supposed to be about caring for your fellow man.
I’ve been privy to two women resort to a fist fight over a palate of eye shadow.
I’ve seen innumerable parents lose their tempers and yell at their children.
Two days ago, while driving to see Avatar, the woman who was driving ahead of us got so infuriated that we snagged a parking spot before she did that she actually chose to roll down her window and scream that she would kill Corey and his entire family. Corey responded with “Merry Christmas” and kept walking.
Yesterday, Corey parked our rental car in the mall parking lot. When he got back, he discovered that it had been keyed. Apparently someone was choked that he had a prime parking spot. We’re now out $300 that we didn’t have to begin with.
I know that this season is stressful. There are bills being accumulated, time and energy is being spent in too many places. That ‘must have’ item may not be on the shelf any longer and, sure, it sucks. But you know what? I think it’s time to remember what Christmas really should be.
It’s not the shiny trinkets under the tree. It’s not about how quickly you managed to get your shopping done. And it sure as hell is not about how many people you’ve belittled in the process.
Christmas is about finding time to be with those who matter to you, whether they be friends or family. It’s about finding joy and peace when the world around you is chaos. Christmas is that one time of year when the focus should be making life a little brighter for yourself and those around you.
Please, for the sake of the few of us who are trying to smile through the season, remember that you can smile too.
Merry Christmas!
Seriously.
Smile.
