I’ll be home for Christmas…

At this time of year far flung travellers all around the globe are flooding airports, train stations, and roadways in the hopes of seeing their loved ones’ smiling faces for the holidays. However, for us seemingly professional travellers, making our way home for the holidays can seem like tedious work. Sure, we’re used to being in airports for long hours, or changing means of transportation three times in one day, but sometimes the short burst-travel home around the holidays can seem a bit frenzied for those of us who are used to walking slowly and deliberately through our travels.

I suggest keeping one principle in mind as we make our way through the desperate hoards of travellers this coming week. Remember, patience is a virtue. Some of the road weary people you may experience this holiday weekend are coming from far and wide. Some of them are not used to the ins and outs of travel etiquette that us more seasoned travellers know as second nature.

Last year, as I made my way back to the States to spend the holidays with my family, my 14 hour trip was suddenly extended to 30 hours. (I was flying through Chicago, I should have known.) However, choosing to embrace the hysterically absurd in every situation, I merely settled in for what this experience would bring. Oddly enough, I found a certain kinship with my fellow holiday travellers. Camped out in O’Hare Airport, the hours passed quickly enough as I got to know the short biography of the people around me. We talked about everything from hobbies to jobs to the family they were going home to see. Instead of being frustrated and angry at the situation, I was warmed by all of the love radiating out of my fellow travellers. A few of us even joined in as several airport employees began caroling at each crowded terminal.

Patience is perhaps the most graceful and loving gesture we can bestow upon someone. Let this be your gift to your fellow travellers this holiday season, and you may just be gifted in kind. Slow down, be patient with each other, and have yourself a merry little Christmas.