I had an unusual experience the other day. It just so happened that it was Halloween, probably my least favorite day of the year, but it turned out to be a very nice day because of all the friendly people I encountered.
Which brings me to my reason for blogging today…
After taking my mother to the airport, where friendly airport personnel abounded (even the nosy guy who was going through her luggage and took away her 8 oz. water bottle), I went shopping at WalMart. Now, I must tell you that WalMart has consistently been the source of some of the unfriendliest people in the Ozarks but on Halloween, everything changed!
It was strange…in a good sort of way, of course! Ordinarily, it didn’t matter who I greeted or spoke to, my comments were responded to with blank stares and mute mouths. I’m serious! It was horrible! I kept wanting to look in a mirror and see if something was on my face or in my teeth! Hahaha! On this Halloween, though, it seemed that every time I turned a corner, I was greeted with a smile and often, some version of “Hello!” I knowww! How strange, hunh???!!!
There was even a very senior citizen who stopped and talked to me in the parking lot…twice! In the bakery, I also helped a young man pick out a birthday cake for his 14 year old sister. I also chatted with the checkout clerk and another woman greeted me twice! Hahaha! Before I left the store, I went to pick up a sandwich at the Subway in the front of the store and even there, a woman in line chatted at length with me, giving advice on how to have the sandwich made. She works at WalMart in the shoe department and I will keep an eye out for her when I go by her department in the future so I can say, “Hi!”.
So, what’s the deal? I don’t know if all this friendliness had anything to do with the “holiday” but I’ve got to seriously consider it. I don’t think it has anything to do with me because I’m always smiling and friendly but I must admit that I asked my husband while he was eating that sandwich (made just as that WalMart employee suggested), if I looked different today. It sounds silly but I did! And he was so sweet…he perceived it was a test and told me that I did look very nice! Hahahaaa! Bless his heart!
But seriously, I’m thinkin’ it had something to do with the fact that employees were dressed up for Halloween and that many of the shoppers were planning fun events for the evening. I wonder if people aren’t also feeling more generous on that day. I mean, Christmas seems to have become more about getting than giving but Halloween is partly about giving candy. Thanksgiving and Christmas are about spending quality time together but as I think about it, so is Halloween. Families take time to make costumes for others, bake cupcakes, spending quality time together going trick or treating, etcetera. Drat! I hate that there’s something good about this holiday that I hate so much! Sigh! I’m afraid I can’t deny it so I’ll just let it be what it is…and be grateful for the friendliness of the day. Now, I can’t help but wonder if that friendliness will continue through the rest of the holiday season…???
On My Mind 