I've recently started my Christmas shopping in real life, as opposed to my go-to online shopping, and I was reminded why it's better to shop online. In every store I've visited, there are oodles of impatient, entitled, and downright grouchy people at every turn. If you know me, you know that I can snap in the blink of an eye and my mood is completely altered by those around me; it's one of my worst habits. But, I've decided that this holiday season, I'm going to fight grouchiness with happiness (or at least I'm going to try, give me a break).

Allow me to preface this movement:

The one event that set me off for my "kill 'em with kindness" Christmas tour happened last week, when I was in WalMart. I was in a hurry and had literally four things in my cart, so I scooted into a line with only one person in front of me. Before I knew it, there was a middle-aged lady behind me, huffing and puffing about having to wait. Apparently, she'd been heading for my spot in line with her cart full of stuff, and it was an inconvenience for her to have to wait for the cashier to ring up my four things. While I was cashing out, she began putting her items on the conveyor belt to be rung up. Well, I guess "putting" is a term to be used loosely -- she was literally SLAMMING her bottles of juice and gallon of milk and potatoes and other items on the belt like a madwoman while staring me down the entire time. Usually, I would've said something, but I just rolled my eyes at her (which made her slam her items on the belt even harder). After I got done inserting my chip and signing, I turned to the woman and (a little sarcastically) said "Merry Christmas," and walked away.

By the time I got in my car, I was so worked up over this lady and her impatient 'tude that my previously good mood was ruined. It was in that moment that I decided to fight holiday moodiness with a smile (a real one, not a sarcastic one); by doing this, I can guarantee that I'll make someone's holiday season a little better, even if it's just the cashier at the store who's more used to seeing frowns than smiles.

Here are my suggestions for making everyone's holiday season a little less painful:

1. Be patient

Everybody is out trying to buy gifts or groceries this time of year. Suck it up and wait like everyone else has to, and don't fuss that there aren't enough cashiers or that the line is too long.

2. Pay it forward

Sometimes, paying for a person's three dollar coffee will turn their mood around and make them be kinder to others; sometimes all we need is a reminder that there is still good in the world. Be the good!

3. Extinguish your short fuse

Don't get mad that the item you need is out of stock, and don't blame it on the cashier when checking out. Find it someplace else. Shopping is first come, first serve, not "whoever needs this thing gets it." Take a deep breathe and get over it. Quickly.

4. Don't drive like an a**

Just don't.

5. Compliment people and start a conversation

Sometimes, we become so blinded by our own tasks that we fail to see others. Tell the lady in the card aisle that you like her sweater. Help an old man to his car. Ask the cashier what her weirdest sale of the day was. People like to be reminded that they're not invisible.

Basically, this holiday season, have a heart. Be kind to others, and don't slam your items on the counter and complain to the cashier (@WalMartlady). You'll be surprised how much more smoothly your errands will run when you're kind instead of rude.

Have a holly, jolly Christmas (and Hanukkah and Kwanza and whatever else you celebrate)!