We're not so merry when it comes to etiquette in shops
A SEASONAL quiz:
Is Christmas shopping, (a) a joyful time to listen to carols while strolling aimlessly through stores, or (b) a soul-destroying, infuriating task avoided until the last minute?
Those who fall into the first category: season's greetings.
To the remainder, you might take comfort in knowing you're not alone.
In fact, as The Daily walked through two of the Sunshine Coast's busiest shopping centres yesterday, a staggering number of shoppers made the "B list".
Syndromes included trolley rage, car-park rage, walking rage, check-out rage and impatient-rage.
There were rammers, pushers, swearers, screamers, snatchers and frowners.
Admittedly, an occasional cheery, carol-singing shopper passed by, but it was a rare sight indeed.
Kings Beach couple Noli Brown and Kelley Mead bore the sad Christmas observation like a target.
Mr Brown stood outside the post office at Kawana Shopping World with a trolley full of gifts and Ms Mead's handbag in the basket, while she chose cards and wrapping paper.
"It is boring and annoying," Mr Brown said.
"I hate how busy it is. There are too many people and I am struggling to push the trolley around.
"I hope it ends soon."
Ms Mead's Christmas cheer, on the other hand, was infectious.
"I love Christmas shopping. It is fun," she said.
"I love buying presents and listening to the carols played in the different stores."
Sadly, many of us will leave our Christmas shopping to the last minute in the hope of "stress-free shopping" .
The lesson for us all: walk briskly, talk quietly, stop at the side of aisles and don't take more than 12 items to a 12-items-or-fewer checkout.
Merry Christmas.
