I feel sorry for shop assistants at this time of year. Not only do they have to deal with harassed customers, queues of shoppers and non-stop trade, but more often than not, they’re also often forced to dress up and get in the ‘festive mood’ at this, their busiest time of year.

How many times have you gone into the Supermarket in the week before Christmas to see all the staff dressed up as Elves and Fairies. It never ceases to amuse me - no, not because I’m cruel and having a laugh at their expense, but because quite often you’ve got a miserable, tired shop assistant dressed up in a ridiculous costume that simply doesn’t suit their mood! Of course, you also get the young ones (and some of the older ones to be fair) who take it in good part and really enter into the spirit of things. It’s a shame then, when you see them having to deal with an irate customer! Oh, how tempers can fray when Christmas shopping!

So, if you’re out and about doing your last minute Christmas shopping and the people serving you are dressed to the nines in festive attire, then make time to acknowledge, compliment them and wish them seasonal greetings!