Lynne Stringer – Author & Editor

I love pretty much everything about Christmas. I love the birth of Jesus, which I remember at Christmastime, I also love the trees and decorations and presents and big meals and eating too much. It’s all great fun, as far as I’m concerned.

There’s only one thing about Christmas that I don’t like: shopping.

I hate going to the shopping centre at this time of year. It’s always busy, even in the early morning (I always try and go early to avoid the crowds). People also seem to be a lot grumpier at the shops this time of year. Maybe that’s because it’s busy and so everything takes that little bit longer. We’re also always in such a hurry because we have so much to do. It can be hard to hold our tempers in check with the slow person ahead of us in line while we wait our turn to be served.

I’d like to say that I’m the epitome of patience at this time of year and that I keep a smile on my face and make sure I’m good mannered with everyone. Unfortunately, if I said that, I’d be lying through my teeth! Sometimes I find it a struggle to remain patient and make allowances for other people, but I know I should.

Why? Because Christmas should be about giving and caring for others, and that doesn’t just mean the people in our own circle of family and friends. As challenging as it is, I think we all need reminders at this time of year to slow down and take it easy. Waiting can be hard, but being rude about it doesn’t make the situation better, and impatience only wears us out (trust me; I know this for a fact!)

So this year, as you wait your turn, take a deep breath and try and be patient. I’ll be trying as well!

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