When did I become such a Scrooge?

I had a bunch of mid-exam-holiday-party-present-buying season errands to do this afternoon. After driving from spot to spot and being frustrated by traffic and bad drivers, I decided walking in my neighbourhood was the best option to getting the last of the things I needed. I got one block away from my apartment when I wanted to turn around and retreat.

The sidewalks were full of pedestrians with no regard for their fellow sidewalk users. Wandering from side to side, stopping abruptly. Turning around with their coffee in hand and nearly dumping it all over me.

Then there were the Carolers. They make me uncomfortable. God forbid I ever live in a house where they come to my door. I think I would hide under the bed until they left. Their matching hats and eager looking expressions. What am I supposed to do? What do they want from me? Do they expect me to stop and stare? I think that would be rude.

The other side of the street had a band of horn instruments. Again with the matching hats. Perhaps these were the husbands of the Carolers, told that they would wear their Santa hats and they would enjoy themselves dammit. I chose to cross the street. Horns > Carolers. They had sheet music to look at and it was easier to avoid eye contact.

I'm off to a Christmas party tonight. I hope to avoid Christmas music, mistletoe and anyone saying "Ho, Ho, Ho". I'll practice my "Bah, humbug" as I get ready, but I imagine all things cheery will be unavoidable for the next three weeks. Le sigh...