Christmas Spirit

24 Dec 2019 51 Comments

by Ritu in Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: , , , , ,

Christmas spirit.

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No, not spirits! I mean that feeling of happiness that should blanket the world at this time of year. (Though a stiff drink wouldn’t go amiss.)
It’s there. I have it in bucket loads. I know a good few people who love to spread the festive cheer.

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However, have you seen the expressions on people’s faces as you walk/storm through the shops?

There is frustration (he didn’t get his other half’s present soon enough, and it’s out of stock now.)
Anger (Why is it so busy? All I wanted was a loaf of bread!)
Misery (Why did I offer to take them shopping? Someone, check my head, please!)

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Seriously, you wouldn’t guess that it’s meant to be a time of cheer out there!

Just the other day, I had to pop into town, and a harrassed couple with a pushchair were going back to the carpark. I helped hold the lift for them, and as I saw the little one in the pram, he reminded me of my Finndian nephew #2.
“How old is he?”
A smile cracked as there was an opportunity to talk about their precious one. “He’s two in two weeks, and,” Dad indicated to his partner’s belly, “she’s due at the beginning of January too!”
I wished them well, as I left the lift, and a smile was on my face. Because I had started something.
The other person in the lift began to chat with the young couple as well. See, miserable, harrassed faces were now happy!

I think we are often too scared to say anything to strangers, for fear of what the reaction would be. But there are so many people out there, crying out for conversation.
Even a silly comment as you cross each other in the aisles of the supermarket can raise a chuckle, and cheer someone up

Yup.
Did that this morning too.

I was battling through the crowds that had reached Sainsbury’s; trollies piled high with food that is meant to be consumed on two days.
Enough to feed a few armies.

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There were those faces and expressions again:
Frustration – ‘I can’t find anything, they’ve changed all the displays for Christmas!’
Anger – ‘Damn! They’re sold out!’
Misery – ‘Have you seen the queues?’

But to add to the mix, these heavy trollies were everywhere, and no one seemed able to fully control them. Oh, and there were those folk who abandoned their heaving carts, to get to another essential item!

I dodged lone carts, deftly weaved my way around the trolley traffic until I got stuck.
Trolley Gridlock!
Because someone had left their trolley.

A man was waiting to pass, opposite me, with a face that spoke a thousand words, and none seemed particularly cheery.
As we finally cleared the offending cart, I whispered “You need a licence to drive these things at Christmas!” and walked away, but not before I heard his guffaw.
And the next time we crossed paths (which you tend to do a lot in supermarkets, going up and down aisles), there was a smile on his face.

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Perfect.
Job done!

You see, whether we like it or not, unless you are uber organised and have your presents ordered and wrapped in Mid-September, and your food shop arranged to be delivered the day before Christmas, so you don’t need to rush about, this Pre-Christmas madness is inevitable.

So, instead of flapping about, all in a fluster, take a moment to smile at someone. Wish them a Merry Christmas. You never know, they may need that little token more than you think.

Merry Christmas to you all, my dear Peeps!

happy Christmas

51 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Rae Reads
    Jan 02, 2020 @ 03:11:32

    A smile is ALWAYS contagious! And, My Better Half always has the right thing to say to parents with babies, “Well, he’s/she’s got more hair than I have!” Gets a chuckle every time.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. Jennie
    Dec 30, 2019 @ 15:48:36

    Really nice, Ritu. Giving a smile can be the best gift of all. 😍

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. barbtaub
    Dec 28, 2019 @ 23:49:33

    This post completely made my day! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and all the best for the new decade.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. kindredspirit23
    Dec 27, 2019 @ 07:08:39

    I usually don’t start until after Thanksgiving is done for a week or so. A lot of my family like Amazon Gift Cards and I can’t blame them. I still get each one a small gift or so. Nice to have something to open; however, I often order those on Amazon. My mail may be a bit busy, but I am home to get it. Taking Mom can be interesting at times. But, once again, we got it all done in time. A little fuss and all is well.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. thereluctantpoet
    Dec 26, 2019 @ 02:13:55

    Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. thereluctantpoet
    Dec 25, 2019 @ 20:22:33

    Awesome post, Ritu!! Hope you are have a blessed Christmas Day!!
    xoxo 💖🌹

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Steve Tanham
    Dec 25, 2019 @ 10:03:54

    Happy Christmas, Ritu. Love to you and your family x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. Rhonda
    Dec 24, 2019 @ 22:56:42

    It is so true; no matter how much prepping and planning you do, the madness is inevitable. It’s how you respond to it that matters. Happy Holidays, Ritu!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Erika Kind
    Dec 24, 2019 @ 22:28:33

    It is our choice whether we join the low energy or we stick to a high one and make others to join in. And seeing the beautiful results rises the energy again. You are the proof that it works🤗💖

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. johncoyote
    Dec 24, 2019 @ 18:58:44

    Merry Christmas dear friend.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. John W. Howell
    Dec 24, 2019 @ 16:36:58

    A good lesson on Christmas Cheer. Merry Christmas Ritu.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. thoughtsnlifeblog
    Dec 24, 2019 @ 16:28:38

    Very true.

    Merry Christmas and happy new year.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. syl65
    Dec 24, 2019 @ 15:33:22

    Blessed are those who remember and spread the true meaning of Christmas, which is Love ❤️ Merry Christmas, dear Sister ❤️ May that shower of Joy and love fall heavily on you and the fam 🎄🌟💖

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. joey
    Dec 24, 2019 @ 14:45:05

    Awesome, Ritu 🙂 Spread that cheer!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  15. TERESA M COLLINS
    Dec 24, 2019 @ 14:05:17

    Christmas…A time for Peace and goodwill, family gatherings and love.
    Emmanuel : God with us

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. Mary Smith
    Dec 24, 2019 @ 12:53:24

    Enjoy the festive season, Ritu.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  17. willowdot21
    Dec 24, 2019 @ 11:15:50

    So true Sis, I used to work in a Waitrose on the Customer Service Desk…. I know what you are saying 💜

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  18. Colin Z Smith
    Dec 24, 2019 @ 09:28:44

    I agree with you 100% Ritu. A kind or amusing word is always welcome when the stress is on, like at this time of year. Well done for spreading a little sunshine in these people’s lives!
    May you and and your family have a blessed, happy and loving Christmas season, and I look forward to reading more of your wonderful blog posts in the coming year. x

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  19. foodzesty
    Dec 24, 2019 @ 09:19:40

    I agree! Merry Christmassss Ritu 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

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