We’re closing in on the first of the year, and none too soon, huh? Boy, working down to the A&P, I’ve seen some mighty stressed out people, let me tell you! No need to name names. You know who you are. And if you’re not one of ‘em, you’ve seen ‘em, too, I’m sure.
Men on a mission, running in to get that one last thing their wife forgot. With the eye of the 
tiger and no time for hellos, they dash into the produce section or down an aisle only to appear at the express lane five or ten or sometimes fifteen minutes later, deer in the headlights, sweat on their upper lip. You can practically hear them thinking: Did I get the right thing? Is it the right brand? Should go back and get the other one, too, just to be sure? Do I have time to stop at the Brew Ha Ha for a shot of courage before heading back to Mrs. Claus and our “elves?”
Women muttering to themselves in the meat section, trying to do the math. “Pounds plus ounces equals how much cook time? So, I’d have to put the roast in at…..” A frustrated shopper saying to a complete stranger, “I can’t think! I hate this Christmas carol, and I can’t think!”
One day last week, on my way to the break room, I felt the overwhelm radiate off a young mother, cart filled to the brim, with her toddler, half eaten candy cane stuck to his mitten, throwing a tantrum in the cookie aisle. I put my hand on her shoulder. “Hang in there, dear!”
Sad to say, many a worn out shopper was a little teary by the time they got to the checkout line. One woman wept openly at my register, the joy of the season leaking from her eyes, running down her cheeks and dripping off her chin onto the flashing “Deck the Halls” pin, now unhooked and almost falling off her winter coat. Got so bad, I took to keeping a box of Kleenex at my register, and have been handing out Hershey’s Kisses to all those in need. By December 24th, I figure I was going through about three bags a day.
But by now, Santa, Mrs. Claus and all them elves are settled in for a long winter’s nap or on that cruise to Aruba they’ve been talking about taking for years. Santa and the Mrs. are stretched out in their deck chairs, drinking Pina Coladas and enjoying the sunshine. The elves, well, they’re in the casino, because elves just love to gamble. The North Pole crew is kicking back and so should you. Now, you actually have time to admire your tree, drink the last of that eggnog and maybe read one of them new books you got for Christmas.
My wish for you? A hassle-free, stress-free and fun New Years Eve. You’ve earned it! Happy New Year, everyone!
That’s if for now. Catch you on the flip side!
Hear Ida Tell It: At the A&P: Post Xmas Ponder