Even though things are hectic, I really enjoy this time of year. Some people are grouchier than usual, sure. I think people's driving skills seem to denigrate as well. But I tend to see the good in people and the season.
I own several Santa hats--a Penn State one, a Steelers one, and a red one. I looked for a Penguins hat over the past few weeks, but no luck. Admittedly, this year I have not worn them much; I think I am still feeling my way around the job/people. But I did break down on a few occasions. First, I wore my Steeler hat on my birthday a few weeks ago (I did not think my PSU hat would be appropriate where I work), along with a self-promoting birthday pin that I have worn for the past 17 birthdays and a bell.
At our building Christmas party last week, I again opted for the bell and Steeler hat. I was one of two people (out of around 50, I would guess) wearing something like that, and I was surprised there was not more festive wear. It was nice to see some people from two floors below wearing snowflake stickers (although that made me want one, when there were no more to be had). Overall, people were tame and pleasant. I ended up talking to some guy about how we should do karaoke for next year's party. He said that people tend to just keep to themselves and who wants to hear people singing badly (I thought that was why you did it!). That is one thing I miss about my last job, the years we had some type of performance. And the people got a little crazy sometimes. :-)
When I was shopping last weekend, I wore my PSU hat. Even two years removed from the scandal and almost 1.5 years removed from the (mostly unjustified, in my opinion) sanctions, I still often wait for someone to say something negative every time I wear PSU garb. Fortunately at Target (where hopefully my credit card was not being breached) some guy said, "Nice hat" when he walked by. He was wearing a Penn State sweatshirt, but it still was nice.
Friday was our last day of work for the year. I again wore my Steeler Santa hat (after the victory on Sunday, it is not nearly as embarrassing) and the bell. I also brought in stickers for everyone and insisted my coworkers put them on. Everyone was game, which made me feel better. And by lunchtime, a number of us were feeling festive (and ready to leave), so we decided to take a break at a local bar. I like to think my spreading the holiday spirit encouraged everyone to let loose a little.
Last night, I wrote the last of my Christmas cards. It seems that not as many people are sending cards as of late. I know it can get expensive and it is time-consuming, but to me it is worth it, knowing that someone will get to open something other than a bill this time of year. Plus I included the dog in this year's card, knowing we don't have too many more Christmases with her.
Today, it was almost 60 degrees out, so I skipped the hat. But I did try to be pleasant to people (not that I am not normally that way). I offered to hold the umbrella for an older gentlemen at the grocery store while he was loading his groceries into his car, but he declined. Might have had something to do with my coming out of nowhere and practically grabbing the umbrella out of this hand. I should probably work on my approach next time.
I am just trying to enjoy the days as much as I can (which should be easier to do now that all presents but one are wrapped and I am done working for the year) and be as joyful and merry as I can. The Pens are certainly helping that.
If you see someone in a Santa hat, wearing a crazy sweater, or singing to themselves, don't think of that person (who will probably be me) as crazy; just consider it spreading merriment!
I own several Santa hats--a Penn State one, a Steelers one, and a red one. I looked for a Penguins hat over the past few weeks, but no luck. Admittedly, this year I have not worn them much; I think I am still feeling my way around the job/people. But I did break down on a few occasions. First, I wore my Steeler hat on my birthday a few weeks ago (I did not think my PSU hat would be appropriate where I work), along with a self-promoting birthday pin that I have worn for the past 17 birthdays and a bell.
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| I took the hat off for the picture. |
At our building Christmas party last week, I again opted for the bell and Steeler hat. I was one of two people (out of around 50, I would guess) wearing something like that, and I was surprised there was not more festive wear. It was nice to see some people from two floors below wearing snowflake stickers (although that made me want one, when there were no more to be had). Overall, people were tame and pleasant. I ended up talking to some guy about how we should do karaoke for next year's party. He said that people tend to just keep to themselves and who wants to hear people singing badly (I thought that was why you did it!). That is one thing I miss about my last job, the years we had some type of performance. And the people got a little crazy sometimes. :-)
When I was shopping last weekend, I wore my PSU hat. Even two years removed from the scandal and almost 1.5 years removed from the (mostly unjustified, in my opinion) sanctions, I still often wait for someone to say something negative every time I wear PSU garb. Fortunately at Target (where hopefully my credit card was not being breached) some guy said, "Nice hat" when he walked by. He was wearing a Penn State sweatshirt, but it still was nice.
Friday was our last day of work for the year. I again wore my Steeler Santa hat (after the victory on Sunday, it is not nearly as embarrassing) and the bell. I also brought in stickers for everyone and insisted my coworkers put them on. Everyone was game, which made me feel better. And by lunchtime, a number of us were feeling festive (and ready to leave), so we decided to take a break at a local bar. I like to think my spreading the holiday spirit encouraged everyone to let loose a little.
Last night, I wrote the last of my Christmas cards. It seems that not as many people are sending cards as of late. I know it can get expensive and it is time-consuming, but to me it is worth it, knowing that someone will get to open something other than a bill this time of year. Plus I included the dog in this year's card, knowing we don't have too many more Christmases with her.
Today, it was almost 60 degrees out, so I skipped the hat. But I did try to be pleasant to people (not that I am not normally that way). I offered to hold the umbrella for an older gentlemen at the grocery store while he was loading his groceries into his car, but he declined. Might have had something to do with my coming out of nowhere and practically grabbing the umbrella out of this hand. I should probably work on my approach next time.
I am just trying to enjoy the days as much as I can (which should be easier to do now that all presents but one are wrapped and I am done working for the year) and be as joyful and merry as I can. The Pens are certainly helping that.
If you see someone in a Santa hat, wearing a crazy sweater, or singing to themselves, don't think of that person (who will probably be me) as crazy; just consider it spreading merriment!
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