“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” . . . or so the song goes. Many frazzled store clerks and the harried customers standing in their lines would disagree. At Christmas time, stories abound of angry sales clerks and even angrier customers. How can Christians go against the norm and show themselves to be full of the “joy of the season”? Here are a few suggestions.

(1) Expect crowded stores, irritable people, and full parking lots. Plan for these things. Think of crowded stores as a chance to share cheer with as many people as you can. In fact, play a game with yourself every time you venture into stores. How many people will return your smile? How many times can you say “Merry Christmas” in one hour of shopping? Or in one day of shopping? If someone is shopping with you, have them play the game too. The loser can buy the winner a hot chocolate at the end of the day. Full parking lots are not a reason to frown. They are an opportunity to park far from the entrance and get some exercise by walking to the door. The extra walking will allow you to eat more yummy appetizers at the next holiday party.

(2) While standing in those long lines, spread the good news of Christmas by passing out candy canes tied with papers containing verses of Scripture. If the lines are really long, maybe you could get your fellow shoppers to sing Christmas carols with you. Will you feel a little silly? Maybe, but isn’t that much better than angry or impatient? And just a hint—talking on your cell phone while in line annoys those around you and slows you down when it is your turn at the register.

(3) Sometimes it is a good idea to dress in layers. If the weather is unseasonably warm or if stores are colder than an Eskimo’s igloo, you may need to peel off layers or put them on accordingly.

(4) Give a “gift” to a customer in line with you. If the person behind you in line at the checkout has fewer items, let her go in front of you. You will make her day.

(5) Listen to Christmas music in your car. Who can be grumpy while listening to Christmas music?

(6) Do not go shopping while you are hungry. Most of us tend to be more irritable when we are hungry. Carry an energy bar with you for those marathon shopping trips.

(7) Be prepared for shopping. Before you leave home, make sure you have your money or credit cards, your shopping list, and a pen to write your checks or sign credit card slips.

(8) Be sure to smile at your cashier and wish him or her “Merry Christmas!”

(9) If you receive outstanding customer service, let the person know. Then ask for the name of the employee’s supervisor and pass your compliment along.

(10) The busiest shopping time of the year is not a great time to shop with your child in a stroller. Your child will get tired and irritable and so will you. If you can, offer to trade babysitting with another parent. She can watch your children while you go shopping and you can return the favor on a different day.

Sometimes it seems like the art of good customer service has been lost, but do not let that cause you to lose your joy or stop you from being a good customer. The Christmas season can still be the most wonderful time of the year and the best time to show others the love of Christ. |L

Raquel Haggard is a freelance writer in Edmond, Oklahoma.

OUTLOOK is a forum for responsible Christian writers. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Standard Publishing or The Lookout.

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