12/20/10

Bah Humbug.....

I used to think that I hated Christmas because I was a Toy Store Manager. Believe me, you see some pretty crappy behavior at a toy store at Christmas. But, today I realized that I might just hate the entire season itself. Not Christmas per se, but the entire shopping as sport holiday it has become.


I am so tired of fighting the crowds who are intent on buying crap. What's worse is that half the people are buying crap for people that they don't even care about. They feel they HAVE to buy them something.  I figure these people are who buy those cheap tacky Stetson gift sets you see.....amateur shoppers who  have no idea what they are doing, wander around like they're the only people in the store, leaving their carts in the middle of aisles and generally wander about like shopping zombies.   I used to joke that on Christmas Eve day I could sell dog poop to customers as long as it was wrapped in shiny paper with a big red bow. I still think I could.

I am not in the greatest mood when I leave the store.  Then, I wait for 5 freakin minutes to turn left onto the road as this sweet little old lady REFUSES to go when there is an opening the size of an Amtrak train.  And then another one. When she did remember where she was and what she was doing she pulled out right in front of a truck. At least he was paying attention or I would probably still be there talking to the police and the news crew....

I then have to go to school for the boys Christmas party. I've never really liked kids that much- but I like these tiny humans. They amuse me. But, I need coffee so I decide to run through the drive through of Burger King  so I can handle being HUNG off of for an hour or so.  Without caffeine I won't be able to have what passes for conversations with 6 year olds. The drive though line though is long, and our Burger King is slow. The dipshit taking the orders can't hear OR speak. I am usually pretty confident they won't screw up a medium coffee with 3 creams, but today I'm not sure. The lady in front of me is paying for her meal with change. The lady in front of her hasn't exited the drive through lane even though she has all of her food, so the change lady can't pull up to get her food and I can't pay my 1.58 for my coffee and be on my way. ARG! Why do people make even the littlest things so damn hard?

Now, I really want my coffee and I want to be gone. Then I remember, this damn location gives me coffee in a freakin paper bag. This never goes well and it's only a matter of time before I spill an entire boiling coffee on my lap. I find that I really want to beat someone as though I'm waiting for candy to fall out of them. I turn the music up and hope for the best.....

Then a miracle happens. Not only did I get a fresh cup of coffee, but it WASN'T in a bag. And she smiled at me! It's not the only miracle... I drive to school and get a GREAT parking space. Every parent who said they were bringing in snacks actually did. The kids were ALL happy had a great time. We ate cupcakes and watched the Grinch who Stole Christmas. Ring pops were the favorite candy today in their bags.....

Yes, about a dozen hung off me, but it was sweet.  They are all so excited for Christmas break.  It made me realize that THIS is what Christmas should be like.  Kids being kids, having fun, eating too much crap waiting for Santa to bring them toys. Not this crazed "black Friday gotta get the best deal get out of my way before I run you down" marathon. Just hanging out with friends and family with no cheap fragrance gift sets in sight.

Have a happy holiday season.

3 comments:

unmitigated me said...

It's why I like Thanksgiving. All the awesome stuff with none of the shopping for more stuff we don't need.

thefarmersdaughter said...

Me too! Thanksgiving is for family and the only thing I have to worry about is making sure the tv is on to the right football game and there's plenty of turkey!

scb said...

Have a merry Christmas despite it all!