by Lisa McGee

Created on: September 05, 2008

As the holidays near, it is easy to forget the reason for the season, and see only all the many tasks that, added to the stress of our already harried lives, tend to make us cranky. Crankiness does not appreciate shopping. Crankiness wants a nap. Taken out in public, Crankiness tends to lash out at unsuspecting cashiers, push and shove through crowds, and generally be unpleasant. So, how to deal with this unwelcome shopper? There are some strategies that can help.

First of all, it might seem odd to discuss paring back your holiday tasks, in order to get around to the etiquette of holiday shopping, but a less stressed shopper leads to a more relaxed and polite shopper. Just think about what the result would be if we all took a look at what we felt we had to do over the holidays and decided to cut back on the had toos and focused on doing what we really wanted to do. We just might feel a bit more jolly as we headed out to do the shopping.

Now we're dashing through the snow, on our way to the mall. Holiday traffic is enough to have a driver wish to be in a one horse open sleigh, rather than the jammed mall parking lots. Yes, it is annoying, but here is where holiday shopping etiquette begins. Let others frantically cut off the little old lady, in the name of getting the perfect parking spot. Remember, they've got Cranky as a backseat driver. You on the other hand, are relaxed, the goal here is to arrive in the same good mood you started out in. So what if you have to park in Siberia. Think of the exercise you're getting!

Arriving at the mall entrance, all pink cheeked and refreshed due to your hike from the car, it's time to put on your jolliest face and join the crowds. If you look around you will see people, head down hunting for their prey, I mean presents. It can be a bit scary when you actually notice how intense some people take this activity. Try this, look people in the eye and smile at them. Say "excuse me" and mean it if you bump in to someone. Hold the door for an overburdened shopper. Let a mother with a child, about to have an accident use the facilities first. You will be amazed at how simple acts of kindness can transform Cranky.

The most important people to deal kindly with, are retail workers. Empathy is the key here. Imagine being in their place. Is it a happy place? Probably not if they're dealing with masses of stressed shoppers. Make a commitment to yourself to be patient and kind with every retail worker you come in contact with, even if you have to make an exchange or bring up mistake they have made.

Speak kindly and politely. I assure you, you will receive better service if you maintain your composure than if you start screaming for the district manager. At the end of your interactions, wish the worker a happy holiday, and mean it. Not only will they feel better, you will too. Who knows, you just might start a trend!

Learn more about this author, Lisa McGee.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.