Xmas in retail landia

I am channeling Dave Sedaris these days (read his novella Holiday on Ice) through this plunge that is "holiday help." More like holiday hell. That ole career-related, resume-boosting position was not waiting for my faithful return at the close of Fall term, no no my friends. And so I am immersed in the throngs of crazed customers, sidling psychopaths, bellowing babies, and syrupy serenades by your favorite contemporary singers. A token favorite rendition of the duet "It's Cold Outside" is belted out by Jessica Simpson and her soon to be ex, Nick Lachey. There are moments, in these extended shopping hours (the last three of which we spend folding towels), when I want to say the f word. The holiday(s) of this month are being/have been for nearly one hundred years drowned out by commercialism, and we in need of extra cash can be found loathing rather than enjoying. There are many in my particular store who would like to say, "Merry Christmas! Now shut the f_ up!"