Another Christmas has come and gone.

Saturday, December 25, 1999

Another Christmas has come and gone. Now, the time has come for another annual tradition. Returns, exchanges and lines, oh, my!

With stacks of gifts we don’t want, can’t use, are unable to wear or can’t find a reason to use or a want to wear, we hit the stores and shopping malls one last time this season.

Although some will have receipts in hand and some won’t, one thing is certain. This Christmas will enter the hall of holidays past, and tired sales clerks, still weary from the frenzy of last-minute shoppers two days ago, will face endless lines of grumbling shoppers who are looking for a refund.

This year, the day after Christmas falls on Sunday, which means more workers are likely to have the day off. Therefore, retailers are expecting record numbers of bargain hunters and exchangers to hit the stores, making parking almost as impossible as being first in line at the exchange counter.

Children will frolic through aisles, stringing toys and chaos in their wake. Babies will cry; men will grumble; and frustrated shoppers will lose their cool.

What a way to end the season of peace on Earth.

Although Christmas has ended and it will be another year before we have to really worry about being naughty or nice, it’s never too late to give someone the precious gift of understanding.

Keep the Christmas spirit alive all yearround. Make someone’s day and offer to let them go before you in a line.

Be the first to say "excuse me" when the crowd gets a bit too close.

It really doesn’t hurt to offer up a smile when we’re greeted with a frown.

The holiday spirit can keep the heart filled with joy and make even the most tedious task seem just a little easier.

Besides, just because there are 364 days until Christmas, doesn’t mean Santa isn’t already watching.