Merry Christmas, everyone!

Ya know what I love about Christmas? All the joy it brings to people. The season of giving and being kind to others. Remembering Jesus and why we’re all here. Ya know, all that stuff. So many times this week, I’ve been reminded of the Reason for the Season and was blessed with the opportunity to say Merry Christmas to so many lovely individuals.

Like “Merry Christmas” to the mom who spotted me turning into the intersection, so sped up, almost nailing the front end of my truck, so she could race around me and take the last available spot at the school to pick up kids. Happy Holidays to you, random mom, who thought it was worth the chance of an automobile accident to save your child 20 feet worth of walking. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

And “Merry Christmas” to the basketball mom that who refused to look at me or say hello when I made eye contact and smiled at her at the game. I understand your sports rage, Sister, I really do, but we’re all in this together when it comes to being a mom so why ya gotta hate on me? Especially at Christmas time! For Pete’s Sakes, you’ll have plenty of time the rest of the year to ignore me. Throw me a little kindness for Santa’s sake! And may your every wish come true!

A big “Merry Christmas” to the jolly shopper at the grocery store that let out a huge sigh and aggressively jerked your cart out of the middle of the aisle when I turned to come down it. I smiled and said, “Excuse me, sorry,” but your irritation with my presence must have prevented you from granting me with a kind response. Last time I checked, the store aisles do fit more than one cart through them at one time, so forgive me for asking to share the aisle requiring you to scooch over a little bit. And I know it’s Christmas and you probably have a lot to shop for, as do I, so I pray you can stomach the rest of the shoppers in the store that most likely will ALSO need to share an aisle with you. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!

“Merry Christmas” to the older gentleman who decided to drive the wrong direction in the parking lot and came face to face with the front of my truck as I was trying to park. I know you didn’t want to move, although all the rest of the cars were angled opposite you and I know you were annoyed with the fact that I actually was following the parking lot directions but I was not going to back up to allow you to continue the wrong way, possibly more trouble than you were already in. The look on your face as you stared at me, waiting for me to accommodate you, was more Grinch-like than one would hope this time of year. And when you finally forcefully backed up and let me park, legally, I could sense your bitterness, but since we're celebrating Jesus these days, this time I will wish you a Merry Christmas!

As I’ve had to repeat the “Merry Christmas” phrase in my head multiple times recently, I’ve realized how helpful that phrase is in replacing the words that first come to mind, which probably could land me some jail time, or at bare minimum some good ol’ social media bashing. I’m thinking it’s too bad we can’t use “Merry Christmas” all year round.

I’m thinking I maybe, for me personally, I should just keep it up. Stay in the Christmas spirit. Merry Christmas everyone!