Silly Season

My Dad refers to Christmas as 'Silly Season'. He does so because of how it causes people to alter their behaviour, mood, and taste with extravagance.

I chuckled to myself this afternoon as I joined the herd at my local supermarket and the term' silly season' returned to me. Embarking on my usual lunchtime walk I innocently thought I'd pop by Tesco to grab the last little bits I needed for Christmas day, completely unaware of the chaos that awaited me.

At the entrance, I was welcomed by a mountain of vegetables. I was dwarfed by this army of brussel sprouts, potatoes, parsnips, and more, all imprisoned in their plastic wrapping being flogged for just 15p. Like many, I always wonder how they can get away with selling it so cheaply in mass whilst many go without the rest of the year.

With my basket of bananas and bucks fizz, I weaved my way through the traffic of overflowing trolleys and fed-up shoppers. Congestion greeted me at every turn where trolleys collided and no mutterings of thanks were given as I stood aside; everyone on autopilot just trying to survive the assault course.

The shoppers grumbled their way around the store with their indulgent hauls, bent over lists and muttering about manners they cared not to share. It was as though these ordinary beings had been possessed by the pollution of the season. Their good intentions distorted by stress and panic.

Once outside, however, their happier spirit was returned to them as though a prize for completing this game of consumption. Smiling into the carpark, they called out a festive cheer to all who dared make eye-contact.

The moment got me thinking of the importance of looking after oneself during this time whilst also being patient with others coping less well with overwhelm. It does no good to make snide comments at fellow shoppers, or barge through a crowd with impatience. You'll only feel bad about it later as your haul of goods become contaminated by the experience.

Go slowly, and go with kindness. In doing so, you can protect your festive period and help others do the same. Remember, this is a season for everyone to feel cheer so be the smile that lights the way and we'll all get to the other side of it full of silliness and full of joy ... and maybe too much cheese.

As you face that supermarket entrance, think about that hot chocolate and cosy sofa waiting for you back home with a good book to match. You've got this.

Good luck out there my friends!