Their Version Of Christmas

This is not my first Christmas spent in the US of A. It's my third or fourth. Then again, this is the first since the big move. It's different here. Stress levels seem to shoot up unnecessarily. I can clearly see it in the retail world that I am in now. I wonder if gift-giving is even fun for them anymore. It seems like it's become a chore for most people here. Of course, it's been crazy busy. The malls are jampacked. Think sardines. Think Divisoria-ish. Last Thursday, there was a fight in the store between customers because the other party cut in front of the other in the line. Of course, that would piss anybody off. Curses. Shoving. Punching. Shouting. Shock. Silence. Security running. I thought it was so stupid and unnecessary. It is dead wrong to cut lines but then why, why, why get into a fight?!? I had to bite my lip and to keep myself from laughing out loud. I really thought it was such a small thing to get all worked up for. UGH!

And boxes! boxes! boxes! We've been running out of boxes this week. Customers have been biting my head off because of that. "What am I supposed to do with my gifts?!", " You've got to be kidding me!?!", " How am I supposed to wrap all my presents!?!" etc... etc... Again, I had to bite my lip to keep myself from laughing at these people. Why can't they just be normal and go to a book shop or office/gift wrap supply store and buy boxes for a few dollars?! UGH! We've been giving out boxes for free when it's not even an obligation for the store and they complain because we've run out??? All the whining and complaining!!! Thank goodness they don't get to me that I still manage to smile sincerely when I help people whether on the floor or at register. I wouldn't want to be sour-faced like them.

It's no wonder I've heard comments that Christmas is overrated and hypocritical. It's not the fault of Christmas itself but the fault of the people who make it that way by being weird. Iba nga talaga ang Paskong Pinoy. They sure can learn a thing or two about how we spend Christmas back home. I miss it a whole lot.