I have been feeling under the weather for the passed few days. So I've predominantly become somewhat of a hermit, locked away from the world nursing my stuffy nose, headache and watery eyes. This is a rare occurrence and besides; I'm a mother. Mothers cannot be sick!!!! I have done my best to get well fast. The house will not run itself and my children and the big Z need to be fed.
At this time of year. I know that it is absolute madness out there. Everyone shopping for last minute Christmas presents and food. So with this in mind I decided I needed to do some grocery shopping and get some fresh air. Yes what was I thinking? I was thinking that maybe by some miracle people will actually be calm and controlled this year and that the Christmas Spirit will prevail. I should have just taken the kids to the park. WHAT CHRISTMAS SPIRIT?????!!
Firstly when arriving at the shopping centre carpark you have to be prepared for the inevitability of people you may run over who run in front of you, and the one's that nearly smack into you with their cars because they are so intent on getting that parking spot; even worse the one's who smack into you with their shopping trolleys; or honk their horns because your not moving fast enough; or the one's that feel like yelling at you because they can and for no particular reason.
Then coming into the shopping centre itself is like a free for all. It reminds me of ants. Yes ants. Except in this case its not the ants marching one by one...its a scramble in every direction. All the shops are jam packed with people grabbing what they can while they can, and there is me with my pram, Nikita oblivious to it all, Z with the shopping trolley and Aleksa running saying "Mummy its Christmas, look at this, wow look at that, Mummy, Mummy, Mummy". Even this doesn't deter me. I have my shopping list in hand I know what I need its just a matter of getting to my destination so it shouldn't be hard right? What should be a 5 minute walk to the supermarket takes us about half an hour. I try and just go straight ahead. Going left or right or backwards will only cause me to bump into someone who may just want to harm me because ITS CHRISTMAS!
Really its more like the last day on Earth. Seriously unless you have a bunker and your going to need supplies for the final hurrah, I don't see why you need to push, run, go nuts and have a grumpy look on your face. I encountered quite a few rude people along with the impatient one's and I was very disappointed as I am every year of the lack of understanding and compassion. Even when we finished our shopping and sat down at a cafe to have a rest and a drink the waiter seemed to be flapping about and service was met with "sorry I'm the only one here and sorry I can't clear your table because I'm busy"
So I ask you what is this Christmas Spirit and what does it mean to you? I think that with all the negative things that are happening in our world today, we should take some time out and be kind to one another and focus on the positives. There is no point in stressing over material things that need to be bought. Somehow it will all work out in the end. The presents will be ready and the food will be on the table. It should be a time of family get togethers, a time of peace and harmony and a time to think about what difference big or small would you like to make.
If you see someone struggling to carry their shopping bags, why not give them a hand instead of trying to push passed them. If someone bumps into you, instead of anger why not just smile and say that's ok. Any small deed is a good one and you will feel a much better for it.
With that in mind I will say to all of you, take it easy, stay safe, enjoy yourselves and if you have the time off then relax. This is it for this year, have that drink and eat that cake and whatever else you can. To those of you celebrating at this time I wish you a very happy Christmas and a wonderful day with your loved ones. To those of you who have Christmas at a different time or do not celebrate it at all enjoy the holidays and spend time resting your soul. To those of you who are working commiserations but hopefully you will have time off in the New Year!!!
Merry Christmas and Happy holidays :)
“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.”
― Peg Bracken
For me the Christmas spirit has changed a lot. Sadly I remember little of last Christmas, my daughters first, I was undergoing Chemotherapy and we had just moved to Melbourne. I know I unpacked, cooked Christmas dinner, shopped, did all the normal things, feeling exhausted and sick and although things were at a dark place physically for me I found that people around me were lovely. Strangers would offer help or kind words of encouragement they could see I was struggling I guess, even though I was determined to put on a brave face for my baby. I remember small details like my little one opening presents, but that's it. Thank goodness for photo's.
ReplyDeleteThis year however I am much better, I have hair, I am full of the Christmas spirit and I am trying to make it magic for my darling husband, child, family and friends. I love Christmas and I love life and I am so very grateful to have the health I have and all my loved ones. It's not about expensive. It's about those you love. Time with family is the best gift of all and I have to thank my GP from Bendigo and the doctors at Peter Mac for the chance to have that for many years to come.
Its good to see you have come out the other end of it all Kay. Its amazing how people will come to help someone in a crisis. I wish that applied to shoppers at Christmas time. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas this year and many more years to come with your family. All the best.x
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