Bah Humbug

This is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration - the why will depend on your beliefs -but all around me I see stress and friction. Traffic is downright dangerous right now as shoppers rush to fulfill their self-imposed buying obligations (thanks to the efforts of a ton of advertising and years of cultural conditioning). Even a trip to the library yesterday was nerve-wracking as I almost got T-boned by someone in a great hurry to get there and then his passenger darn near slammed his door into me as he rushed to beat me out of the vehicle despite my having pulled in first. Nary a glance my way, apologetic or otherwise.

Families gather in far-ranging members, in the hopes of having a few days of loving togetherness, but instead, they seem to crack under the strain of the preparations, travel, and perhaps most significantly, the expectations. Listening to a father berate his teenage sons for whatever they did not do to his satisfaction while in line at the grocery store was uncomfortable for all involved. A friend's frustration in trying to get family members to understand their invitations to the Christmas party do not automatically extend also to all of their neighbors and friends had us wistful for times when bringing uninvited guests was unthinkable, especially without checking with the hostess beforehand.

I'm so grateful we don't have a television so I don't have to watch this season's advertising. I still get exposure through the weighty ads in the newspaper and the annoying ads on the radio (in the areas where the PBS stations do not come in clearly). In every market, my ears are assaulted by canned versions of Christmas songs designed to get shoppers in the holiday spirit (and make one feel happy and relaxed...resulting in greater spending). Sorry, all they do is urge me to get my shopping for necessities done as quickly as possible. I might pause to stop and get a coffee at the stand in the store, more to visit with the nice folks working there than because I need the caffeine.

One young gal that left her job there a couple of months ago to continue her schooling told me how much she'd miss me because I was her favorite customer. I gave her a disbelieving look and she reiterated. As I left, I mused aloud about this to my sweetie who had come with me to wish her well. His theory was that she, and the others working there, enjoyed my visits because I actually treat them like human beings rather than impersonal coffee dispensers.

With so many people in a hurry this time of year, I see more brusque treatment of people in the service industry than usual. Sure, it's their job to take care of you - helping you find things, ringing up your purchases, bringing your food, etc. - but they deserve respect and kind treatment. Believe me, during this season, they greatly appreciate when someone makes an effort to be nice and understanding instead of snippy and impatient.

I am boycotting "Christmas" this year. The commercialism surrounding it holds no appeal, nor does making a bunch of gifts by hand just to fulfill the expectations of seasonal gift-giving. For me personally, when I find or make something I think someone would really enjoy, I prefer to give it to them at that time rather than waiting for Christmas day. Giving on Christmas is traditional, I understand, and that's fine for all who enjoy it. I'm just the oddball, going against the tide, and I do not expect others to agree with me.

I also don't think that the Christmas spirit of charity, kindness, and love should be restricted to just a few weeks each year. That kind of spirit is needed year-round. Enjoy the time with your loved ones over this last week of the year, share your wealth with those in need, and be kind to those in the service industry. And then keep on doing this when the new year starts. Oh, and please drive nice.