Holiday smiles, patience can be infectious

This holiday season, put some of the joy into those trips to the stores and shopping malls. Buying food, presents and other sundries for the holidays doesn’t have to be an ordeal. Be patient and courteous and you’ll be surprised to find that if you give, you’ll also receive.

Here are suggestions to reduce holiday stress:

Start, for example, with parking lots, where frustrations usually begin. Instead of racing through crowded parking areas in a huff, be mature, sensible and patient as you look for a place to park. Set a good example by letting the other motorist go first—and perhaps down the line someone will return the favor. Finding a parking space isn’t supposed to be a fight to the death. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment by expecting an incredibly convenient spot.

Once you’re shopping, pace yourself so that you don’t have to hurry, and please remember that salespeople are maxed out, too. They can’t help five customers at once. Rude people with unrealistic expectations are everybody’s worst nightmare.

Now that you’re at the cash register, be ready with your wallet, checkbook or credit card. Have your merchandise together. Keep the line moving by being efficient. It’s frustrating when the customer at the front of line causes a delay for others because of not thinking ahead. If you’re writing a check, have it filled out except for the amount. Have your driver’s license ready. On the other hand, if a shopper ahead of you is slow, it’s not the end of the world. Stay calm. An extra minute or two in line won’t hurt you.

On the trip home, if the driver in front of you wants to change lanes, don’t speed up and cut him off. Take a deep breath and treat him like you want to be treated when you need to change lanes. If you drive courteously, somebody may notice and mimic your behavior.

It’s evening now and you’re off to the holiday party. (For starters, be polite and don’t eat the last of the shrimp.) Avoid overdrinking and offer to give a ride home to a friend who’s overindulged.

Remember: the holidays are stressful and nobody’s perfect. Regardless of meticulous planning, things go wrong. Have realistic expectations. Never complicate matters by getting angry.

Smile and share your compassion for others. People will notice and pass it on. That’s what the holiday season is all about.