Thursday, 12:00 noon, standing in line at my local post office.  I wanted to purchase 25 Christmas stamps – the gingerbread house version – to affix to the Christmas greeting cards I am sending this year.  Yes, I could have saved time by just slapping the every-day version of stamps I have on the cards, but it is so much more festive to use the stamps designed for the season.

I was about sixth in line and every one of those people in front of me had one or more packages for the clerk to process.  One guy had a large box with about 20 small packages inside that needed postage!

Oh, and it was lunch time, so there was only one clerk!  I assume the other was on his break.  (Note to self:  don’t go to the PO at lunch time.)

Really, I’m quite amazed at how patiently I awaited my turn.  Fortunately, I had no place else to be for several hours – that helped me wait calmly.

But, I started thinking of ways one might pass time while waiting in line during the holiday season.

Here are some ideas for you if you find yourself in this situation -

1. The obvious – use your smart phone to:
   • check emails and text messages
   • send an email or text message – the latter being what I chose to do in this situation
   • make a phone call – though this could be considered rude by those around you
   • make a move in your word game
   • check new Facebook posts or make one
   • take a selfie (at the risk of those around you thinking you are very self-centered)
2. Practice your deep breathing technique to relieve stress.
3. Shop for holiday cards or colorful package wrapping materials that are abundantly available for sale in the PO.
4. Eavesdrop on the phone conversation the person in front of you is having.
5. Critique the apparel of those standing in line with you (in your mind, unless you are really bold!).
6. Smile and/or chat with your fellow in-line standers.
7. Make a list – mentally, written, or in the notes on your phone
   • grocery
   • gift
   • to-do
8. Pull the book, Kindle or tablet you carry in your bag for just such occasions, and read a chapter of your book.
9. Chip off your old nail polish.
10. Try to remain calm and realize waiting in line is just part of the holiday bustle.

DON’T LET IT GET YOU DOWN!