Crazy for the Holidays

As all can see on my profile one of the words used to describe myself is crazy. I am beginning to think I am the only one out there to admit it. I dress up at work for the holidays. As each holiday rolls around I try to spread a little joy by wearing something that symbolizes that day. I've noticed however that not many where I work or have worked over the years do this anymore. Why?

I work in the convenience store field. It may seem as an easy job but there can be a lot of stress related to this way of making a living. Customer service can at times be a challenge. So to lighten up a bit and put a smile on the faces of those I wait on I simply add a few trinkets or a hat to represent a special day.

For example, at Christmas, I wear a Santa hat, ornament earrings and a bracelet with Christmas theme. Before we had uniform jackets I would wear a sweatshirt or sweater with a Santa theme.

Valentine's Day I break out the hearts on my shirt and jewelry. You can't imagine the number of times I've had a thank you because someone forgot to pick up a card, flowers or candy before they got home.

Yesterday, on St. Patrick's Day, I thought I would only be working the early shift making donuts. I donned my shamrock jewelry and hair ties the day before. Little did I know I'd be called in for a second shift so I wore the St. Patrick's day baseball cap and jewelry last night to work. Many commented on my wearing of the green and even though it doesn't exactly go with the color scheme of the company (black and red) I was able to show my Irish pride.

Easter should be interesting as I bought bunny ears to wear to work. I've done this before and got quite an array of comments. Some are cute but a few are a bit bawdy. Let's just say no one will ever confuse me with a Hugh Hefner bunny but that is the way those comments run.

Memorial Day and 4^th of July, I simply wear red, white and blue. Simple flag pins and ribbons. Just to show pride in my country.

Halloween is the most fun. After getting all to agree to wear a costume at work, I usually walk in to find I'm the only crazy person in the place. No one else dresses up. Coming up with ideas for homemade costumes can be a challenge, as I have to be able to perform my job in tight spaces. No scary costumes as I wait on families and the children who trick or treat at the store. After all we're a friendly place to stop. That's the biggest perk of dressing up; I get to give out the candy.

Thanksgiving day I wear my turkey pin or something I've found that represents the holiday. It is getting harder to find Thanksgiving items in the stores as Halloween and Christmas have taken precedence over the retail market. But I'm still looking for the right attire for Thanksgiving and I'll find it eventually.

As you can see I skipped Labor Day. I haven't figured out what to wear so I just wear the official uniform jacket and keep a smile on my face.

The other thing one may notice is I usually work every holiday. This isn't by choice but just the way it is in the convenience store field. Thus I figure I might as well have fun when the holidays roll around. If I can spread a little cheer just by dressing up then that's what I'll do. It's all worth it to see a smile when we all seem to take life too serious. Or maybe I am the only crazy person working in this field.