everthere

Yesterday, I couldn't avoid being in a store that sells lots of different things, most of which can euphemistically be labelled as crap. Not surprisingly, they also sell Christmas decorations. One of the gems on offer, were these blinking Christmas lights that also omit a piercing electronic Christmas tune of sorts. It could be heard in about half of the shop. I was there for a handful of minutes and walked away on the verge of despair - seriously contemplating puncturing my eardrums with a good, thick knitting needle (which they also sold).
The experience made my heart go out to the store's employees and their colleagues everywhere. Being subjected to such audio torture for the duration of an 8 hour shift surely can only be described as cruel and unusual, no? People get worked up over all sorts of things, like the clubbing of baby seals and what not (rightfully so - relax fellow Morrissey fans), but who's got the employees' back? Certainly not the costumers who frown at them because they had to wait in line fifteen minutes to pay for their Santa mug and straw reindeer.
I am genuinely surprised that we don't hear stories of employees who snap and set their place of work on fire. Their restraint and humanity is commendable to say the least. Therefore, however small the gesture may be: I salute you, good people who endure Christmas muzak in various forms so you can make rent.

And in that spirit, allow me to share, what is to me, the best song to celebrate Christmas with (what that says about me, is not a topic of discussion today).



Merry Christmas.