The first two weeks back in the office have been great so far, getting to see everyone after a couple of weeks away and hearing all about their loved ones they got to see, or didn’t due to weather conditions. Listening to their holiday stories has made my heart happy for them and I am happy that they are willing to share those stories with us.
I will be honest; I was not feeling Christmas this year and I am not sure why. It may have been the added stress from the postal strike, not knowing if one of the key gifts I purchased would arrive in time to be added to the gift bag. Maybe it was because I was more focused on healing my knee, hoping I would not be too tired from the lack of sleep or in pain to celebrate with my family. Or it was possibly because I was unable to perch myself on the floor to wrap all the gifts in decorative paper and had to utilize giftbags for all my parcels. But it may have been because there was a lack of holiday spirit this year.
My kids and I were waiting patiently to fuel up our vehicle on Christmas Eve, with two pumps down as the fuel truck was unloading into the tanks below. With our fuel tank being on the passenger side of the vehicle and the line up of various cars, trucks and vans with their fuel tanks on the driver’s side, we were metaphorically “swimming upstream”. I instructed my son, who is only four months into having his driver’s licence, to pull up closer to the pump, so the next driver in line saw us waiting, allowing us the chance to fuel up. Just as we start to move in, a white SUV pulls in. My mouth drops open, saying “We were in line waiting” within the confines of the vehicle. The adult female driver, also within her vehicle, mouths the words “F*** you”.
I was in shock. With a teenager behind the wheel and it being the day before Christmas, that was the attitude we were met with. I could not believe it. I had never in my 39 years of life seen that type of behaviour around the most joyous time of year. It was what happened next that helped restore my faith in humanity though.
The driver of the fuel truck, who was a witness to the whole situation, pointed to the line up of vehicles, followed by three and four fingers. I gave him a wave and told my son we were going to have to wait. The fuel truck driver then walked over to our vehicle, offering to talk to the next driver in line for us, hoping they would let us through so we could continue our way. The driver in line agreed, and as the woman made her way back into her vehicle and past ours, she didn’t have the courage to make eye contact with us or attempt to apologize. I made my son say thank you to the driver that allowed us in and wanted him to mention to the manager of the Co-op C-Store that the fuel truck driver needed to be recognized for his efforts for civility.
I think the year 2024 was the year we became a “me first” society. People only look out for themselves, not giving any second thought of who around may need an extra second of our time. In past years, strangers would often smile at each other, holding doors open for those with their arms full or the elderly. The essence of kindness is all around, as one good deed turns to another. We look out for each other, willing to lend a hand when needed. Since I have had to use a cane to get around, I can maybe count on both hands how many times I have had someone offer to open the door for me over the past month.
So, for the year 2025, I hope we can all take a moment to be aware of our surroundings. Look to see if there is someone needing an extra hand. Holding the door open takes only a few moments of your life, smiling at someone who may be having a difficult time may change their entire day. I love talking to strangers, telling them they look great in a new article of clothing, or that calories don’t count at Christmas. If I can spread some happiness or put a smile on someone’s face, I have accomplished something good in my day. Therefore, I hope all of my readers have an amazing 2025 and since the last time I checked, a little kindness never killed anyone.
