It’s Christmastime!! Everybody loves this time of year. Or hates it. Depending on whether they are at home enjoying their own Christmas tree, mugs of cocoa, and family, or they are out shopping.
People shop all year. We all have things we need to pick up week to week–food, supplies, clothing. So what is it about shopping for Christmas that makes some put on their Belligerent Hats and shove through like nutcases? I suppose we’ll never know. I’ve always thought shopping for gifts should bring out the best in people, not the worst. So when I am out this time of year, I put on my biggest smile, and even when someone accidentally-on-purpose heels me with his or her cart for some imagined slight, I offer kind words. I may not think them, but I speak them. You know what a big believer I am in paying it forward.
It always makes my experience a little bit better, being kind in the face of all that irritation. Hopefully, it makes the experience of those who come in contact with me better, too. I am, after all, an optimist.