I know, I haven’t been super “gripey” lately in my posts. I would like to think that has something to do with a certain level of serenity that I’ve attained. However, upon engaging in some self-analysis, I realize that my lack of griping is more so because I’ve been doing a good job of avoiding people that give me ample reason to rant.
But now, I’m baaack – with much to gripe about as the holidays inch closer!
I understand that this year has been ridiculously busy for everyone. I work in the medical field in my full-time job, so I empathize with anyone who feels under pressure. Right now, I’m in the throes of dealing with doctors’ offices trying to jam every patient with a high deductible onto our office’s schedule before the end of the year. At this rate, our staff will be working until 7 p.m. every single night until 2022 arrives.
Indeed, life and work have become significantly more hectic as the holidays approach. However, shame on anyone who uses their busy-ness as an excuse for behaving badly toward others. Sadly, too many people (especially in my locale) exhibit hostility when we should be paying our blessings forward and extending a helping hand to those less fortunate.
My Top 4 Holiday Pet Peeves
Although I could go on and on and on with the list of behaviors that get under my skin at this time of year, I’ve narrowed this post down to the most cringy annoyances.
1. Rudeness Toward Retail Workers
The cashier you’re berating because the store-bought pumpkin pie has a quarter-inch spot with less cinnamon on it…she deserves common kindness. She probably has a family, she is likely tired, and she may want to slam that pie in your face. And, by the way, it’s not her fault! She didn’t bake the dang pie! Knock. It. Off. She does not deserve to be publicly attacked because you’re frustrated.
2. Parking Lot Positioning
First, let’s establish that there are NO parking spaces with your name on them in the Target lot. So, I am not the worst person alive if I happen to pull into a spot that you saw when you were four lanes away. Spare me the cursing and find a different space. Or stop right where you are and wait. After I’ve finished my shopping in eleven minutes, you can have the spot you became so emotionally attached to.
Oh, and while we’re on the topic of store parking lots, take your freakin’ cart back to the store or place it in the little cart cage!
3. Cell Phones in Crowds
If you are in front of me in line at the grocery store with your full cart, get off your phone and prepare for checkout. I don’t need to know that little Timmy has the sniffles and your girl, Sarah, needs to dump that miserable man. Put your stuff on the conveyor belt, and let’s get this show on the road. I’ve been awake since 5 in the morning. I work with cranky people all day. And my dog has to pee. I want to go home, so let’s keep things moving, please.
4. Black Friday
For those of you complaining that stores are cutting back their Black Friday hours, zip it. If you want to, choose to sleep outside so that you’re first in line to buy that on-sale flatscreen TV, but realize those store workers need time off too. In case no one has ever told you, this holiday is not yours alone. Everyone is celebrating something, and stores don't need to be open 24 hours so Caleb and Ronnie can have the latest toy.
Remember 2020?
If any of the pet peeves on my list are something you’ve engaged in, please, try to keep your attitude in check this holiday season. We have been through so much, and some people are still going through a lot more. Be mindful of everyone’s struggles and not just your own.
Let’s all remember what it was like last year when none of us were sure we could get together with our families safely. Remember the promises you made about how you would be a nicer person if we could all just get back to normal?
Let’s keep all that in mind as we venture into the cold, cold world that is mid-state Pennsylvania in the winter.
Think about how you swore you would be a better version of yourself and do just that.
And above all, enjoy the season!
