Story by Randy S. Peregrino
IT’S that time of the year again when not only that we celebrate the Yuletide season but also go through what has always been part of it—the holiday rush. Not so long ago, people would embrace the circumstances and even enjoyed last-minute shopping practically anywhere just to find gifts and completing their wish list. We used to spend countless days of visits to relatives and friends just to catch up. It was a kind of sensation that goes with the merry celebration when all of us were enthusiastic and very much anticipating.
Nowadays, the jolly feeling is still there, of course. We still shop, socialize with friends, pay visits to people that matter to us and see glowing places, among others. But the worsening traffic situation in the Metro and nearby regions has become the bane of every motorist, as well as commuters. While we’ve seen worse during ordinary weekdays, just imagine doubling that scenario, especially now that the Christmas-holiday gridlocks everywhere is starting to loom. You might want to ditch that idea of a last-minute shopping or any unplanned engagements, as travel times this season could definitely double or even triple what has already considered worst. But, of course, it’s not a hopeless case and you can still go on with your activities as long as you consider these simple best practices that would ease the stress.
Make a list
Now that Christmas day is just more than a week away and that you’re done window shopping, start creating a list of things to buy, places to go and so on. By knowing all these, you’d be able to establish your itinerary for the remaining days before the big day. Because if you know ahead of time what to buy, where to go and the likes, you’d be surprise how seamless you move without wasting precious time.
Plan your trips
Sure, we’ve been doing this practice even during ordinary days. We’ve learned to capitalize on every navigational phone application out there just to find the fastest routes. But this season is different and there will be more vehicles to flood every thoroughfare. So you might want to check the traffic situation more often as it changes quickly during this season. Because keeping yourself up-to-date with the circulation would put you ahead of the reliable navigational app. Also, keep your options open by checking alternative routes provided by your app to see for yourself which one suits you.
Mind the time
Again, there will be more vehicles on the roads out there. In turn, it entails longer travel time and ultimately requires more patience. Your usual time allowance may not work this season so it’s best to add or even double the allotment. More important, another one to consider is the time of the day. As much as possible, avoid the dreaded rush-hour period. There is no room for slacking as any window of opportunity should be utilized. Besides, there is no harm in making to your destinations or appointments ahead of time. Because while others would arrive feeling stressed out, you’d be instead seating pretty and killing time.
Proximity check
Keep in mind that malls and shops in major locations are not the only places you’d find the items you’re looking for. It could be in a small bazaar or shop nearby. In fact, why go through the hassle for a minimal prize difference? You see, this is one of the reasons seasonal entrepreneurs would invest on putting up a small shop in a bazaar away from the prime locations. Aside from the good business, they also help us out to bring shopping closer to our home. So start browsing information to know more about these marketplaces.
Stay home and relax
Ever wonder why there’s no place like home? If there’s nothing to buy, nobody to see, or pretty much no reason to go out, why not bring the leisure at the comfort of your own crib. There’s already so much traffic chaos out there and you don’t want your time going down to the drain because you just felt like going out. So, stay put and look for other more sensible things to do. You can start sorting gifts, wrap them, write greeting cards, or simply relax and recharge your energy for the next grind.
Last, if you really have to go, no matter what, always stay cool and keep a positive outlook in order to evade the dreadful effects of going through the holiday traffic rush. Since the gridlocks have become part of our daily lives, it’s important to change our perspective on how we deal with these circumstances. After all, it’s the season when everybody is supposed to be merry. So, as always, stay calm and drive safely.
Image credits: Arnel Peregino