Remembering the reason for the season
Brendon Cunha
Issue date: 11/19/09 Section: Opinion
As an employee of a retail chain, I feel a certain sense of anxiety when this time of year rolls around. It is not a bad feeling at all, rather one of excitement. I love the fast paced stimulation of the holiday season, from the busy hum of shoppers to the colorful decorations adorning the store. I also love the meaning of the season as well and find myself to be a more kind and patient person toward everyone I encounter.
For some, however, the holidays are dreaded more than anything. I can always tell by the looks on people's faces, the body language they exhibit, or simply the way they dart in and out of the aisles with their carriage almost striking innocent shoppers. People are so preoccupied with getting their shopping completed in the least amount of time instead of taking a moment to relish in the joy of the holidays. It seems that the true meaning of the season has long been forgotten, lost in a sea of stressed out shoppers.
The time is now, more than ever, to rediscover the essence of the holidays. Especially with the uncertain economy, people should not be worried about how they plan to buy for everyone on their list. Rather, they should be channeling their energy into more creative and cost effective options, such as homemade gifts. Personally, I know I would much rather receive something that love and thought went into rather than an expensive, elaborate gift. This is where the heart of the season lies.
As for the attitudes of the shoppers, I try to disarm their negative outlooks when they come through my checkout lane. I make light conversation about what they're purchasing and attempt to make them laugh. I also mention how hectic the retail world becomes during this time of year, and how I try to not lose sight of the spirit of the season. I hope that by saying this people realize that there is indeed more to the holidays than purchasing gifts. Believe it or not, there is a sense of peace and love that permeates the atmosphere during this special time. We all need to take a moment to allow the magic of the season to wrap us in its warm embrace.
For some, however, the holidays are dreaded more than anything. I can always tell by the looks on people's faces, the body language they exhibit, or simply the way they dart in and out of the aisles with their carriage almost striking innocent shoppers. People are so preoccupied with getting their shopping completed in the least amount of time instead of taking a moment to relish in the joy of the holidays. It seems that the true meaning of the season has long been forgotten, lost in a sea of stressed out shoppers.
The time is now, more than ever, to rediscover the essence of the holidays. Especially with the uncertain economy, people should not be worried about how they plan to buy for everyone on their list. Rather, they should be channeling their energy into more creative and cost effective options, such as homemade gifts. Personally, I know I would much rather receive something that love and thought went into rather than an expensive, elaborate gift. This is where the heart of the season lies.
As for the attitudes of the shoppers, I try to disarm their negative outlooks when they come through my checkout lane. I make light conversation about what they're purchasing and attempt to make them laugh. I also mention how hectic the retail world becomes during this time of year, and how I try to not lose sight of the spirit of the season. I hope that by saying this people realize that there is indeed more to the holidays than purchasing gifts. Believe it or not, there is a sense of peace and love that permeates the atmosphere during this special time. We all need to take a moment to allow the magic of the season to wrap us in its warm embrace.
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