Anything but Merry

For a time of year that is supposed to be filled with cheer, happiness, holidays, giving, etc. -

I have never felt less merry. 

Working in retail/customer service for 5 years now, I’ve come to a conclusion, this is the rudest time of the year. 

So as I sit here seriously ready to just lay in bed until I feel like getting up again, I just ask myself why. 

Why do people because so frantic/less friendly this time of year? 

Why do we as people treat others the way we do? 

Why do I let this stuff effect me knowing full well, this is just how it is this time of year? 

& lastly, why do I have to settle with this is just how it is this time of year? 

In my opinion, and with the experiences I’ve encountered with people this time of year, I’ve decided I’m going to finally give myself some answers. Instead of being ready to “throw in the towel” I’m going to get in a mindset that maybe even though somebody might say something rude to me or act obnoxiously, just maybe, me being kind back can settle their mind a little, and realize this time of year, is not as big of a deal as people make it out to be. 

The holidays aren’t the only “big deal” people get worked up about. It’s the end of a whole year, it’s a new beginning ahead soon. But people just fall under so much pressure. People feel obligated to have everything perfect for themselves, for their families, for their responsibilities, so on and so forth. Who wants to end a year not *perfect*. When thinking more in depth what really is “perfect” this time of year? Everything being nice and tidy, and food cooked to perfection, with your tree standing tall, beautifully Pinterest decorated, not a speck of dirt, or anything out of place, with presents wrapped delicately, with beautiful bows on top for your family to come over and see. Who can throw the best New Years bash to wrap up the year, and show off all that they have...yes that would be perfect. But not doable for the average working human, (lucky you if you do get this opportunity!) but I know I certainly do not have time to follow my dogs around with a mop, and pick up every piece of trash my boyfriend leaves around, and fold every blanket on the couch, and make sure my tree doesn’t have one bare showing spot. Nor do I have the money to spend to make my house Pinterest worthy.  I’m a human, not a super human. 

Just like when it comes to my job, I’m a human, not a super human. 

This country has become so materialistic, I’ll admit-I’m one of those people. Material items, makes me happy. 

I believe the holidays have also become materialistic, it’s no longer about the time spent with the people around you. It’s about what you have, and what you give, who can do better, who can be better- and none of this is meant in a good way. 

I think people become stressed about being the best and having the best around the holidays, that we genuinely forget what the holidays are about. They are celebrations! Celebrations of family, of friends, things to be thankful for, thinking back on all that you’ve done as a person in the year- not material items, or showing off. 

I would like to truly believe people are blind sided by their rudeness and wrong doings as well. That they don’t realize that maybe they needed to take a deep breath before speaking, or think for two seconds before saying what comes to mind, or maybe realize how they’ve acted before storming off with all their anger. 

But if they are not blindsided by this, and are deliberately acting this way because they’re stressed trying to get things done, and gifts bought, and the house cleaned, and saving money, but spending it all in the same thought. Or maybe this is just how they are, and how their attitude is all of the time. I hope to make a difference. That’s what being in customer service is about, right? Pleasing customers, even when they don’t please you. Heck, it could even be a coworker. People in general. 

So whether you’ve read this far and you’re in the same boat as me, or you’re just another human who agrees this time of year is anything but merry anymore, be kind. Kindness goes a long way. Trust me I understand how hard it is to be kind to someone who has just made you feel so worthless, but a simple smile and a “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas” or even simple “I hope you have a good rest of your day.” Can go an even longer way.

It’s hard to swallow our pride and except the things that are hard to except. But honestly you could’ve just saved another person from having to deal with that same human flipping out on them, too! 

And to those who do feel overwhelmed this time of year, take a breather, and a step back, think before you act or speak. 

Be a decent human being. 

If we could fill this world with kind people, it would be less stressful for us all. 

Be kind, be merry & happy holidays!