Merry Bitch-mas!!

In a few days, there will be people, presents and parties, celebrating two things – the apex of the holiday season and the birth of consumerism.

But, with all the glitzy showmanship going on, people tend to forget their manners. What is up with this time of the year and the utter lack of politeness?

True, everyone is stressed out with their work, home and social lives. Nothing can be cut back, for fear of alienating someone (but, they remedy this by buying someone a P.O.S. present). No one can help them out with the looming deadline, the wrapping of gifts, or the cooking of the 12-course meal.

There’s too much, all at once.

So, what happens?

These pressures accumulate until they explode. And, they always explode at the wrong time and to the wrong people.

You lash out at the sales assistant who tells you what you’re looking for has been discontinued years ago. You push little old ladies off the sidewalk and into the street because they are in your way. You snap at snot-nosed children by telling them Santa isn’t coming this year because they are on his naughty list (I've only done the last one once... ok, twice this week).

With these reactions, you come across as being the biggest bitch during the time of the year where people want to make you happy.

How to remedy this? Make this year all about good manners, even if you have to do it through clenched teeth.

Smile at a stranger. Open the door for a shopper who has their arms full of bags. Say “Thank you” to a sales associate… and mean it.

You’d be surprised when you do something nice for someone, they will reciprocate (especially because of the whole naughty or nice list).

The simplest of gestures can eliminate this merry bitch-mas that lingers in the air this time of year.

You understand, or do I have to spank it into you?