Since I work in the 'public arena', so to speak, I find that the holidays seem to have more of a profound, presence in my life. There is no escaping any of the holiday dates. There is the planning, ordering, scheduling and the estimating as to how much time will be involved in order to complete the necessities of this joyous season - that is the first thing on the list. The personal end of this season, comes second. So even though I have managed to get the orders out in a timely manner (barely), I found that I was preparing the greeting cards, shopping and wrapping presents at the very last minute. After nine years at this job, this seems to be how I prioritize my life.
Even though everything seems to go at a fast pace, I find that I still got to enjoy that holiday spirit. The customers seemed to be more joyous this year, the employees were upbeat and ready for the rush and I found that the constant blaring of Christmas music, didn't even begin to hamper my spirits. In fact, I caught myself humming along with the tunes every once in awhile. Although, some of my fellow co-workers felt just
the opposite.
Then came Christmas Eve and everything that was ordered, prepared and stocked was finally done and the only thing left to do was serve the customers. There were orders of vegetable and fruit trays, cakes and deli trays which customers came to pickup and plenty of last minute shoppers filled the aisles. Each employee managed to maintain a fast pace as they restocked, checked out, bagged and assisted customers. You heard a lot of 'Merry Christmas', being shouted through out the store by customers to employees and visa versa. Even the weather cooperated and gave way to a beautiful, sunny day. And not until the last customer was served, and the doors were locked at 6:00 p.m., on Christmas Eve, could employees finally make Christmas Eve their own. Everyone wishing each other good tidings and handing out little gifts and cards gave the evening more spirit. For even though we had worked on this evening, while others were home celebrating, we too were celebrating in a way.
Customers had been kind and in good spirits. One gentleman thanked me for working this holiday eve, "So we can do our shopping." While others praised me for my floral arrangements and gave me a hug and wished me a happy holiday. All of these things mean a lot. It provided us with a great atmosphere while we worked which in turn made us happier to do our jobs. And if one must work, then what could be better then to work with people that you like. But when the day was done, and on into Christmas Day, I could not help but think about a few of our employees whose holiday was not a joyous one. And even though there is nothing that I can do to help alleviate any of their burdens, I can only hope that just being there and being able to listen provides these people some form of comfort.
As I spent Christmas Day with my family, I remembered all of those that had been with us throughout the years and hoped that all of us here on this day will be together for many more. And I realized how fortunate I am to work with the people that I see day after day, and how lucky I am to share a bond with so many of them and how much they really lighten my everyday life.
So as I lifted my glass, in a family toast, I realized how grateful I am to have all of these people in my life. Be they family or friends, this is what makes life. This is what it is all about.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR
Even though everything seems to go at a fast pace, I find that I still got to enjoy that holiday spirit. The customers seemed to be more joyous this year, the employees were upbeat and ready for the rush and I found that the constant blaring of Christmas music, didn't even begin to hamper my spirits. In fact, I caught myself humming along with the tunes every once in awhile. Although, some of my fellow co-workers felt just
the opposite.
Then came Christmas Eve and everything that was ordered, prepared and stocked was finally done and the only thing left to do was serve the customers. There were orders of vegetable and fruit trays, cakes and deli trays which customers came to pickup and plenty of last minute shoppers filled the aisles. Each employee managed to maintain a fast pace as they restocked, checked out, bagged and assisted customers. You heard a lot of 'Merry Christmas', being shouted through out the store by customers to employees and visa versa. Even the weather cooperated and gave way to a beautiful, sunny day. And not until the last customer was served, and the doors were locked at 6:00 p.m., on Christmas Eve, could employees finally make Christmas Eve their own. Everyone wishing each other good tidings and handing out little gifts and cards gave the evening more spirit. For even though we had worked on this evening, while others were home celebrating, we too were celebrating in a way.
Customers had been kind and in good spirits. One gentleman thanked me for working this holiday eve, "So we can do our shopping." While others praised me for my floral arrangements and gave me a hug and wished me a happy holiday. All of these things mean a lot. It provided us with a great atmosphere while we worked which in turn made us happier to do our jobs. And if one must work, then what could be better then to work with people that you like. But when the day was done, and on into Christmas Day, I could not help but think about a few of our employees whose holiday was not a joyous one. And even though there is nothing that I can do to help alleviate any of their burdens, I can only hope that just being there and being able to listen provides these people some form of comfort.
As I spent Christmas Day with my family, I remembered all of those that had been with us throughout the years and hoped that all of us here on this day will be together for many more. And I realized how fortunate I am to work with the people that I see day after day, and how lucky I am to share a bond with so many of them and how much they really lighten my everyday life.
So as I lifted my glass, in a family toast, I realized how grateful I am to have all of these people in my life. Be they family or friends, this is what makes life. This is what it is all about.
MERRY CHRISTMAS and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR
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