The Grinch is secretly multiplying!!!

**nvmommyx6** · 12-21-2008, 11:37 AM

There everywhere, with scowls on their faces where there should be smiles! bad attitudes where there should be merry ones, and rude behavior where there should be Happiness and glee!!
I almost became one yesterday, even after my day of "heaven" Friday! I wish people could really get back to grasping the season for the happy time it is supposed to be!

**mommy4ever** · 12-21-2008, 11:56 AM

I see it too!

But I like to spread cheer and irritate the grinches so they go away and in their place a happy face.

I treated myself to my early Christmas present. I had a pedicure. My toes are now a cheery christmassy red. Which is funny, as I don't wear make up, or nail polish, but I get a pedi a couple times a year due to heels cracking. But I was sitting there and an older lady was grumping that she was in a rush she had so much to do today and didn't expect this(her mani was a gift!) and she didn't want a color, blah blah blah. I looked at her and told her "What a considerate gift! A little time out just for you! Some one was really thinking of you to give you such a sweet gift. " She looked at me, frowned a little. I asked her what color was her outfit for church? She described a nice dressy suit. I handed her the color wheels that were left with me. I told her which ones I thought would look nice. I told her I picked the red because they match my fleece jammies that I intended to stay in all day Christmas day. She laughed, and took a whole new attitude to the experience.

At the bookstore I was ready while waiting to pick up dd from her b'day party next door. To older ladies were complainging that they had no idea what to get so and so. They were looking at cook books. Saying that who ever the recipient was was being difficult, new to cooking wanted healthy. I looked up at them and told them who I loved, not only was she great, AND local meaning easy to find ingredients, she laid out her recipes easily, gave lots of tips and even a shopping list. I found the staff and they helped me find 2 of her books. The ladies were thrilled. Of course they thought I was the young lady just starting out not the mid-30's woman with teenagers..lol. But they were very happy. I excused myself, wished them a Merry Christmas, they said thank you and were pouring over the books.

I was at Staples getting hanging folders, a young man behind me in line got a text, groaned and told his buddy, "she likes FLANNEL...what the F* is that?"

I told him to think of little kids pj's that are non stretchy or the popular plaid pj pants that so many young people wear. He grinned ear to ear and said thanks. He looked at his buddy and said, 'there is Christmas spirit'. They said merry Christmas as I finished my purchase. I told them to be good and enjoy..lol.

The one that took work was home Depot, I was getting carpet runner, the guy was funny but grumpy, and down on Christmas. I looked at him and told him, With that attitude like that and no belief in Santa, for sure Santa wouldn't come. He laughed and laughed and told me I was right. Merry Christmas.

Yes I perhaps overhear and do a little interferring. But I have spread some Christmas cheer! Opened doors, helped elderly people with packages to their car, if only by guiding an elbow on the icy paths we call roads these days. And whenever I leave, it's with a Merry Christmas.

**homesteadmamma** · 12-21-2008, 12:06 PM

I've seen it too. When I was at Walmart (I detest that store at the best of times) with a friend, people were shoving and pushing and trying to get in line before you at the tills. They'd get their carts and woe if you were in their way. It's been the same everywhere. It's too bad because it really puts a damper on the holiday spirit.

**nvmommyx6** · 12-21-2008, 12:11 PM

It is more fun to spread the cheer, I for one will agree it helps with my attitude!!
I have always been a stickler that this season is a time to rejoice and never back down, but It kinda freaked me out yesterday almost being sucked in by the Grinch's!!

**phoeny_moonstar** · 12-21-2008, 12:17 PM

I may go around being all grumpy during the holiday season but I will certaintly cheer a random person up in store or give someone a piece of advice if I think it'll help.

But yes, the Grinch has been multiplying for a long time.

**Marie78** · 12-21-2008, 12:22 PM

I'm avoiding the stores as of today! We have all our presents wrapped and accounted for. Dh is grocery shopping right now and we'll have enough food to get us through this week. There will only be one small stop at the grocery store Monday or Tuesday evening for a few ingredients for a cookie recipe I am making for my grandma. It involves a certain kind of nut and vanilla sugar...I didn't want Dh to freak out trying to find exactly what I need for the recipe. Other than that quick pit stop after work, I hope to stay out of all stores until after Christmas.

I wasn't feeling much of the Christmas spirit yesterday as we finished up our Christmas shopping...the stores were a typical last weekend before Christmas shopping experience. However, I regained my Christmas spirit once I arrived safely at home with all my packages and got to wrapping and piling them in our gift pile. Our gift pile has taken up one corner of our office, which is the only room we can shut the door and the cats can't open and get to the presents. They like to unwrap things! I can't wait to play Santa and give our gifts to people. I think we did well this year and didn't go over budget. The budget is coming down next year because we will be new parents and everyone is feeling the burn with the economy the way it is.

**many houseapes** · 12-21-2008, 01:42 PM

I know what you mean....and it seems like it gets worse every year.....it saddens me to see this especially during the most joyous time of the year.
I try to get our Christmas preparations finished early, stock up on groceries for the next month & try to hibernate during the Christmas season to avoid the Grinches as much as possible. When I absolutely have to run an errand during this time, I put on an extra coat of "Grinch repellent" ( a smile & extra cheerfulness) - it drives them crazy & the Grinches look at me as if I had 2 heads

**mickee311** · 12-21-2008, 01:47 PM

Meh, no stores for me. We're done with all of our shopping, most of which I did online so I wouldn't have to deal with people. Everyone is too pushy this time of year and just generally pissy. I'd rather not deal with it. It's people like that who put me in a bad mood, so I'd just as soon stay home and out of their way. Because you know, it's US that's in THEIR way.

**LastDragonfly** · 12-21-2008, 01:57 PM

I agree, the grinches are alive and well AND multiplying. I need a "no grinch" sweat shirt with the big red circle/slash on it.

What bugs me is that some of the grinches in my life, don't get EVERYTHING they want, give nothing to others, and have the audacity to complain.

I may speak up this year and cause a scene. You know the one, "remember the Christmas when momma lost her mind and told...... off?"

I need to email Bill O'reilley for a no Grinch Zone.

**imagine** · 12-21-2008, 02:31 PM

And here I was just thinking there were less Grinches this year.

**guest002** · 12-21-2008, 02:35 PM

I agree not enough smiles over here.

**kittykatstrong** · 12-21-2008, 02:58 PM

I havent been out shopping alot this year, so I didnt really see it but at work people are busy, in a hurry, and just want their pizza and go home. I can see on their faces that everyone is rushed now days and I do my best to leave them in better mood then when they walked in.

**frugalbabe** · 12-21-2008, 05:17 PM

Yesterday dh gave me a great gift he sent me out shopping (for myself) and said when I got home the house would be clean and dinner would be on the table (didn't have to ask me twice!) I had a great time but the last Saturday before Christmas is definitely nuts! I spent 20 minutes in a parking lot in a line of cars waiting to get to the main road. People were honking and gesturing. I happened to flip to an all-Christmas music station and sat in my car enjoying the music and the snow. It was a very unlikely place to find holiday cheer but I managed!

**tigo** · 12-22-2008, 07:52 AM

I shop year round so I can avoid the stores. Being in the food service industry, I have been seeing more pissy people this year than last. The tips are way down and people are just generally ruder than normal. I actually had a woman chew me out because our wait time at the restraunt was longer than usual yesterday. All I can do is smile and tell myself I am so glad I have the job to start with.

**UUMomof3** · 12-22-2008, 08:24 AM

With all the grim news surrounding us, it's not surprising people have a hard time being (or just acting) merry.

I remind myself that the lousy economy and our uncertain financial times have not taken away hugs from my daughters, cardinals in flight, or beautiful sunsets. Star sparkle, snow sparkle, and smooches are all free.

I was surprised yesterday when I bought groceries, how people seemed actually pretty cheerful. Long lines at the register and all.