Frantic Frenzy or Merry Memories?

Tis the Season to be Jolly . . . or Is It?

What a challenge we could face if the potential pressures of the season are allowed to creep into our heads. On Black Friday, I ventured to the Mall to return a previously purchased item. My trip was not a part of the mass hysteria of the day after Thanksgiving - I chose not to let the adversticing hype lure me.

I did however experience the angst of the day in the "full to the brim" mall parking lot. Every aisle, every space, every driver jockeying for a spot. My choice was to cruise up & down until I found a mom & daughter leaving & "jamming" bags into a totally packed trunk.

Inside the mall store, as I stood in line to return my item, shoppers checking out had obviously not embraced Control Theory philosophy. Frustrated, anxious and persistently arguing why "Early Bird" prices were no longer being accepted (at 1:00 pm) - Oops! Thankfully the cashier/sales rep. remained calm and tactfully courteous.

I returned my item, thanked the cashier, wished her a Merry Christmas and walked away passing more frantically busy shoppers with arms full. I smiled, went to my car and bequeathed my highly prized parking space to the first car in a long line of potential bargain hunters. My, what we put ourselves through to be "happy" during the Season of Joy.

Merry Christmas All...Remember the real reason for the season.