Thanksgiving has come and gone, and everyone has had time to think about all the many things they are thankful for. But what about those few things we aren’t thankful for? We had to bury those things down this past week and only think about the good, happy things as we sat around the table with our friends and family for Thanksgiving. Now, I am not a negative person and I always try to see the positive side in everything. But we all have those few things that irritate us. As we are head into the holiday season and into shopping for Christmas, I took a step back and thought about the few things I am not thankful for, especially around the holidays.

1. Traffic.

Traffic is bad as it is because I live just outside of Atlanta. But add on holiday shoppers, family flying in to be with loved ones on Christmas and school being out, and it’s nearly impossible to get anywhere. My parents always told me that if I could drive in Atlanta, I could drive anywhere. Aggressive driving was taught in DriversEd. Now that we have people from out of town on our roads, everyone is driving with a whole new level of aggression.

2. Shopping.

Shopping can be fun during the holidays, but when everyone goes out at the same time, it is a mad house. It’s hard enough driving through the traffic, but once you enter a store, the traffic is even worse. Small children running around, parents yelling at said children to stop running around, long lines at checkout counters. It’s never ending.

3. The weather.

It’s starting to get cold, and that is great. But when the weather starts to get bipolar and get warm and then drop to 20 degrees, then it’s not okay. Hopefully this doesn’t happen this year, but Christmas is supposed to be cold. Here’s hoping it stays cold.

4. Finals.

In order to get to the holidays and the joy that is Christmas, we must get through finals first. We’re all approaching that dreaded week, but sadly we have to face it to get back to home cooked meals and living at home.

5. Leaving school.

I love going home and being with family, but I always hate leaving my friends for several weeks. We’ve been together all semester and now we have to go our separate ways for the holidays. It’s fun to be with family on the holidays, but it would be so nice if all our friends could be there, too.

I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays and the time with their friends and family. Embrace the holiday spirit around you and try not to drive too aggressively around the mall. The sale will still be there as will that parking spot. Just be patient.