Christmas is two days away! Will you be one of those standing in long lines at the stores with your last minutes gifts?
Christmas has always been my favorite season. I love the carols, the decorations, the lights, and the story of how God came down to earth as a humble baby born in a stable so He could reveal Himself to us. Wow! What's not to love?
Except... now that I am working retail so many hours at Christmas, I miss a lot of the good stuff. I don't get to enjoy the Christmas specials and holiday movies. I miss a lot of parties. I barely see my family. And my feet hurt!
Christmas brings out the best and worst in customers. Some radiate warmth and good cheer as they patiently wait in line, smile as they make their purchases and wish me a Merry Christmas. Others impatiently glare as they wait their turn. Then they want to price check every item they have grabbed. They argue over the prices. They want us to produce coupons they were supposed to clip out of the paper. Then they want boxes and tissue and complain if we don't have the right sizes. Then some of them actually want us to hold up the line while we fold all the boxes into shape and place each purchase in the boxes for them! I mean... didja look behind you to see the line that is piling up while you demand extra services? Did you notice I am the only one at this register? Brother. It's enough to turn me into a Scrooge.
Then I think about our soldiers in Iraq who are missing so much more than I am. Hey, I get to hear the Christmas music piped into the store. There are decorations in my department. And many customers wish me a Merry Christmas as I ring them up. What do I have to complain about? I am sure my poor tired feet don't compare to the aches and pains of our soldiers.
If you know a soldier, say thank you for me. And here's a poem you can pass along to any soldiers you know:
Christmas in Iraq
