In the frenzy of the last few days before Christmas, some shoppers get a little edgy.
They seem to forget what gift giving is all about and get caught up in the frustrations of heavy traffic, crowded malls, and delayed shipments.
Unfortunately, those whose job it is to serve these shoppers often receive the brunt of their frustrations.
I don’t think they mean to be mean, they just forget that everyone shares the same frustrations. A little kindness would go a long way in making everyone’s days a little easier.
Some people came into the shop downright cranky, especially if they had arrived after “the sign” was put on the door indicating that we were taking no more gifts for wrapping that day. The only way to bypass that sign was to have your name put on “the reserve list” by calling ahead or asking to be put on it the day before.
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“But I have to drive all the way from Flint!” was one lament we heard.
Really? I wanted to ask. That’s only ten minutes from here. I have to drive all the way from my home, which is 35 minutes away!
“But I’ve been sick (or hurt)!”
Really? Christmas comes on the same day every year. Did it surprise you this year? Didn’t you have 364 days to prepare for it? By the way, we’re sorry you are sick. Please don’t bring it into the shop.
“But it’s only three gifts and I don’t need them today.”
Really? No problem, we’ll just add them to the 300 more we already have to wrap today (actually only 85 or so). We don’t mind staying past midnight to get yours done!
“But it’s just clothes or little things.”
Really? Those have to be placed into a box with tissue and ribbon and then wrapped. Self-boxed items like toys or dishes are actually easier to wrap.
“But I’ve been coming here for years.”
Really? You want us to bump you up the list? Because most of our customers have been coming here for years. You think you deserve special treatment? All of our customers deserve special treatment!
Just to alter the words of Seinfeld’s soup Nazi a bit: “No gift wrapping for you! NEXT!“
Be kind to your local gift wrapper. . .
XOXO
April Coker, Author 