See all of the red and yellow... well this isn't even lunch time traffic... so now maybe you realize. If you haven't been to Lenox, in December every year they have what is known as Macy's Pink Pig. It's a kid's little resemblence of a roller coaster ride that takes you through the history of Macy's, etc. It's actually quite cute, and I think the kids love it.
BUT, the line. Oh my. I think we saw the same people when we entered for lunch, and when we left to return to work. They'd made their way from the ticket booth just inside the entrance, to the first line of ropes outside the doors. And the kids waiting in line? Excitement I didn't see. They looked bored out of their minds. And the parents scolding them- be patient, do you want to ride this thing or not, be quiet, calm down, stay in line! Seriously? Maybe you want to ride this thing more than your kids do... Because from what I see, they aren't into this standing in line bit, and aren't excited to ride the ride that will be over in 5 minutes. Which do you think they will remember more, the 5 minutes, or the hour in line they were yelled at... hmmm. **side note- I have nothing against the Pink Pig. I think it's adorable really. I just find some of this really ironic...**
And then, there's Santa. There's another line here, with the same instructions and directions from these parents as the Pink Pig parents. However, now we're dealing with a few criers. And that's fine. Kids don't have to like Santa in my opinion. But some of these parents are forcing it. I mean, if your child is screaming bloody murder just waiting in line to see the rosy cheeks and bowl full of jelly... well before being seated on the famous lap... um.... perhaps this isn't their year?
It all gives me a slight nervous twitch.
My point is this: Holidays are supposed to be fun. We're supposed to be enjoying time with our family, friends, and loved ones. But, a trip to the mall and you'll see quite the opposite. Long lines, stress, the hurry hurry hurry syndrome, worrying over money, kids crying, people shouting, and not much room for joy and cheer. Let's do this- get out of the lines. Spend time with instead of money on, and enjoy the few weeks out of the year we just get to, let's say, rejoice?
(another side note- I don't have kids. I'm positive when I do, I'll be in the Pink Pig line, yelling at my kids, and then later waiting on Santa, feeding my children Xanax to keep the crying to a minimum, all in the name of a Macy's ride and a pic with the old bearded guy...)
