Joy to the World!

There's a little game I like to play. Actually, I have quite a few little games that I play, like beat the GPA or Be a Ninja... But anyway, this particular one gives me an opportunity to be especially sneaky!
You know those poor people checking your items out at the store? They are so much fun to compliment. And they NEVER expect it. No, really, try it! Muster up your best smile and wish them a good day. Half the time they don't know what to do with it; but the other half, oh my, you can tell they really appreciate it. Now, of course, like all other games there's a catch. Here's the trick: your compliment has to be genuine. Ah ha. Didn't see that one coming? It doesn't quite work if you are not genuinely genuine to the other person. (Yes, cashier people are persons, even if they are the grumpiest people sometimes) But if you do manage to do this, congrats, chances are you have just begun a domino effect that could bring just a touch of happiness to someone who needs it most.
(Grumpy librarians are the best. It may take a while, but if you happen to have four cute little siblings, watching a grumpy librarian melt is so much fun.)

(Now for the main point:)
There's a special twist to this game come Christmas. You know how everyone says "happy holidays" or "season's greetings"? Well. Try giving them your biggest, most festive holiday grin and saying "MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
Honestly, I think people still really do enjoy being wished a Merry Christmas; even if they aren't Christian, they still do. Because it's not that you're trying to convert them right then and there, or being offensive, or whatever the excuse is now to get Christ out of Christmas. It's spreading the love joy that you've found in Him who came to give you that same love and joy. If they're atheist, alright, be respectful. But even atheists need peace and joy. And really, sharing wonder and joy is not a crime. You take that special love and joy away, what do you get? Probably a grumpy cashier lady.
Christmas is a chance to spread that message of peace, joy, and love of Christ, even if it's just in the form of genuinely wishing someone "Merry Christmas".

So to anyone reading this (and even if no one does), I wish you glad tidings of joy; the joy I've genuinely found so wondrous and uncontainable. Take it if you will.