Two Cents Worth
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We have all started shopping or at least figured out what we are looking for.
A friend of mine always has exactly what she wants in her mind, colour, pattern, etc. and then starts looking for that. Of course, she can never find it because manufacturers have not consulted with her and can’t read her mind. I think this is a disappointing way to shop.
Usually, I shop all year by keeping the people I care about in my mind. If it’s June and I see something that I think Morgan would want or need, I go for it. A chance visit to a yard sale, flea market, store, a conversation over lunch or a TV program might inspire me. To me I don’t spend much time thinking on the gift, it’s the person I concentrate on. My purchases are very strategic, not expensive.
By now we have given to our conscious-comforting charity. They will do what needs to be done to help those in need.
But there is much more we can each do on a daily basis to make the season happier for everyone. It is simple and doesn’t cost a thing. It will benefit you as much, if not more, than those you share with.
I think all staff, in stores, banks, shops, restaurants, etc., need to learn to engage with their customers as people, with kindness, understanding and good cheer. I know you have worked a long shift, are not paid near enough for what you do and have a lot of snarly folks to deal with, but it costs nothing to be friendly, helpful and cheerful. It will make your shift so much easier to take, go more quickly and make the experience much brighter for your customers, who are also stressed. It’s a great gift you can give to show you appreciate them because without them you might not have a job.
As a shopper it will give you and the staff a more pleasant time if you talk to them, be interested in their experience. Show the staff at each business you enter courtesy, respect, consideration. You don’t have to fuss; it’s easy to show them you appreciate what they do. Show them they are doing a great job and they will.
A “Have a good day,” or “Merry Christmas,” goes a long way. Of course, you should do this all year long but this time of year it is especially pleasing.
I challenge all of you to do a couple simple things. It might be hard for some of you, but it will be so worth it. As you walk down the hall at the mall or on the street, hold your head up and look at the people you meet and smile. When you see that group of teenage boys at the corner, don’t take a wide berth, look them in the eye, smile and say hi. Engage the people standing beside you at the corner waiting for the walk signal. If you see someone resting or waiting on a bench, smile as you walk by or stop for a minute and exchange pleasantries. The line at the bank or any checkout is a perfect time to strike up a conversation with those ahead and/or behind. In no time you have a social event instead a line.
There is no rule that says a doctor, dentist or hospital waiting room has to be silent. Start a conversation and draw everyone into it. You will find most will happily join. Waiting doesn’t seem near so tedious and it eases for a time, the worry most feel at these places.
Come on, try it. I have and it’s just wonderful to see the surprised looks on the faces of those boys as they smile back and say, “Hey.” It’s amazing when you see the delight spread over the face of those you take the time to acknowledge with nothing more than a smile and a greeting. It’s the real Christmas cheer.
Reach out a hand in friendship
Christmas is not all joy and love for everyone in our communities. We must remember not everyone is as fortunate as we are and open our hearts and wallets to help those who are suffering.
I know many folks think, those who profess to be in need are often just lazy bums who don’t want to work and live off others. There are people like that who are cheating the system, using us and getting away with it. But they could also be suffering from abuse, mental illness, addiction or a whole host of other afflictions they didn’t ask for.
Many of those who need our help don’t want charity to be a way of life. They are men and women, with or without children, who can’t find stable work or are under employed. Their plight could be the result of lack of education, skills, experience or training, factory/business closures, cutbacks, abandonment, illness or death.
These people do not want handouts to be a way of life. They want to work. They want to be self-sufficient. They need our help now, not forever.
Many of us have found ourselves in this painful condition. Those who do, need to do their part, too. Skills building, retraining, reevaluating lifestyle, whatever it takes to get back on their feet.
Many of us know what it’s like to worry about paying the hydro bill. We know what eating cheap looks like, not fast food but macaroni, hot dogs, soup, mustard sandwiches. Many of us have been there.
Quite a while ago I had my life ripped out from under me and I had to, very quickly, learn a new way to live. I never lived an affluent lifestyle but this was a whole other thing. I didn’t know if I would be able to pay my insurance, gas bill, buy food or supply Morgan the necessities. It was the scariest time of my life.
The most important thing I learned was how easy it is to live without and still be content. I had to focus my attention and my limited finances to one purpose and that was trying to provide a happy, secure home. You can be happy without an iPhone, a flat screen TV, a fancy vehicle, fine jewelry. Life is good even if you wear Value Village finds, use a push mower. We holidayed at a free cottage or used the hockey tournaments as our vacations. I must admit Morgan didn’t learn this truth so quickly.
True friends stood by me, reinforced me, held me up until I could find my footing. Strangers reached out to us, provided hockey equipment, etc. and anonymously made donations at Christmas. We were forced to pare down our lives to basics. Don’t know if we would have made it without that help.
Things are so much better now, but I still wear Value Village couture, drive a basic van, push my lawn mower and enjoy that cottage. I don’t have an iPhone, flat screen TV or fancy jewelry and it’s all good.
Let’s give those who are suffering a helping hand up until they can find their footing. Let’s reach out a hand in friendship and goodwill. Let’s put a smile on the face of a child and some peace in the heart of a parent this Christmas. Look to your church or any service group to find ways you can bring joy and love to those in need.