Christmatizing Life

I am a believer in allowing each holiday its own time and Thanksgiving is Thursday. Unfortunately, for those of us in retail, the HOLIDAY SEASON begins immediately afterwards. In fact, for some stores it seems that you no sooner eat the turkey than you wrap it into foil, stuff it into the refrigerator, and go stand in line to buy something you really can't afford, putting it on your credit card that you can pay for with the job you don't have, and buy too many things for the kids who, in many cases would be just as happy to have more of your time instead of a new doll or video game. OK, that's the cynic talking, but I've had many years to become one and I'm practiced. I love a lot about the holiday season, but the schedule sucks.

Just a question...why is it that the Post Office has stamps for Christmas (religious and secular), Hanukkah, an nice Islamic stamp for the holidays, even a Kwanzaa stamp, but there is nothing for those of us who celebrate Yule or the Solstice. What's up with that? Sure, I could get my own stamps made for Solstice, but they cost more and I'd rather spend that money on supplies to make this year's cards than special stamps. But you'd think they would consider those of us who walk a less than traditional path.

So today I hung garland, cleaned shelving, brought up the Christmas tree, hung mini stockings for each of the staff, washed down all of the items on the top shelves and the top of each display case, bought a new supply of cash register and charge machine tapes, and restocked my shopping bags. Now what I need are the customers to make all of the planning come together over the next five Sundays of extra hours and the next few weeks of sales and specials. Someday I'll be able to enjoy the holidays again. I really look forward to that, but that day isn't here yet.