Its holiday season, which means happiness, laughter, and good times with friends and family. But, it also means some other things which I think we can all agree aren't so fun. Not everything about the holidays is great, and I can definitley think of a few things I hate the most.
1. Traffic
Why is it that during the holidays, everyone and their mother decides to be on the road at the exact same time? And why do none of these people know how to drive? This time of year brings out the worst, most aggressive drivers, because God forbid you make it to the Macy's sale ten minutes later than you planned. Not to mention the people that drive 10 under the speed limit because they're trying to find the right exit. Its 2016, you probably have a GPS.
2. Tourists
Tourists are always out in full force during the holidays. They wheel suitcases around the mall, and they never know where they're going (see #1). They hardly ever speak the language of where they're visiting, so even if you were feeling nice enough to give them directions, you can't because you don't understand them and vice versa.
3. Long lines
Malls have long lines in general, but during the holidays, these lines are multiplied by a thousand. And not only are they long, but they take forever and a day because people are buying tons of things at once. I understand the sales are good, but they're just as good online, where you don't take up 20 minutes of everyone's time trying to find a tag for the shirt that doesn't have one.
4. The mall kiosks
I think mall kiosks are in my top 5 of "most hated things ever." The people are obnoxious, they try to touch you, and they sell the most ridiculous products. I didn't think I could dislike them anymore until I experienced them during the holidays. They take aggressive to a whole new level. I distinctly remember one of them grabbing my mom's arm to have her try some lotion or other dumb beauty product, and let's just say she was not happy about it.
5. Commercials
Holiday commercials are the worst. How many "best deals of the season" can there be? Certainly not as many as they advertise, or else everything would be on sale. And they all play that same music with the bells in the background, and its just plain annoying. Also, its almost impossible to watch any show without the same two or three commercials coming on at every single break. At least have some variety.
6. Happy Holidays vs Merry Christmas
This is one of the most unnecessary things to ever happen. Why people began to care how people greeted them during the holidays is beyond me. I don't care if someone wishes me a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Holidays, as long as they're nice about it. Frankly, I'd be fine with "have a nice day." To get upset over how someone wishes you well is petty and insulting. They're just words. Accept them and get on with your day. Please.
7. Starbucks red cup "controversy"
This "controversy" that has started to arise every year is getting on my nerves. WHO CARES what color the frickin coffee cups are? Its not a war on Christmas, no one is trying to take away your holiday cheer (or whatever), it's a cup. A paper cup that you will throw away in 20 minutes when you finish your coffee. So, I repeat, WHO CARES? Why is this the thing you are upset about? I can think of at least, let's see, a million other things that should cross your mind before the color of a coffee cup. Please relax.
8. Early decorations
Someone fill me in as to why people need to start decorating before Thanksgiving even happens. Last time I checked, Christmas is at the end of December, which means you don't need to be decorating until at the very least the first week of December. Any earlier than that is annoying and cringeworthy. The actual season of winter doesn't even start until the month is almost over, so your decorations should follow suit.
9. Aggressive decorations
In concordance with #8, the only thing worse than early decorations are aggressive ones. Sorry, but I don't see a need for 8 blow up Santas, a real sleigh on the roof, and fake snow bombarding every person who tries to walk their dog. I'm as much a fan of pretty decorations and those awesome light shows as the next person, but there is such thing as taking it too far.
10. The music
The music during the holiday season is unbearable. For the first 10 minutes of hearing the same song over and over, it's okay. After that, when I can't change the radio station without "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" being blasted in my ears, I get a little upset. Even commercials play the same songs (see #5). Every song is overplayed, so they make new versions of the same songs, just to overplay those as well.
