Whatever happened to the Spirit of Christmas?
Let's Get Back the Spirit of Christmas
The other day I was doing some holiday shopping and after coming across more than a couple of “nasty” people I found myself wondering what ever happened to the spirit of Christmas? After all, it's supposed to be a time of good cheer, kindness, happiness and fun. Why then, the minute I hit the mall, do I run into dozens of people who don't seem to remember the definition of kindness or patience? If you want to avoid becoming one of the “Holiday Nasties” this year, keep these things in mind...
What Are the Holiday Nasties?
Okay, I admit -- I made the term up. I just don't know what else to call the people who take what's supposed to be a beautiful holiday and turn it into a nerve-wracking and stressful time for everyone else.
You know, the lady who pushes you out of the way in the store, the guy who swerves in front of you to get the last parking spot, the person who gives you dirty looks if you take too long writing a check for your purchase -- all of these people are Holiday Nasties.
Do Unto Others...
Since I was a little girl my grandmother has always told me to do unto others as I would have them do unto me. This means if I want to be treated kindly, I should take the first step by treating others with kindness. Kind of goes hand in hand with the spirit of Christmas.
If you don't want to become one of the “Holiday Nasties” remember that the spirit of Christmas means treating others with care.
No Matter How Wonderful You Are...
You might be the smartest, most successful or richest person on Earth. I don't care if you're the King of Neverland. No matter who you are, you are not entitled to treat the other people who breathe your air like dirt.
That girl working at the checkout for minimum wage? Don't make her day harder if she's trying her hardest to accommodate your needs. The elderly couple blocking your way in the aisle? Don't shove your way around them just because you want to get to wherever you're going five minutes faster.
Maybe the easiest way to avoid becoming a holiday nasty is to remember that the spirit of Christmas means putting yourself last. The “he who serves” mentality is a great way to sum it up. After all, the meek shall inherit the earth. The holiday nasties? Well, I'm not sure what they're going to inherit...