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*Editor’s Note: This isn’t all Nunzia has written this holiday season. For more, take a mindful moment to read, This Holiday Season, I’m Choosing what Feels Good—Not what Looks Perfect.
A Holiday Reminder to Slow Down:
How one ordinary morning turned into a gentle wake-up call during the busiest time of year.
During the holiday season, something different happens to the way we move through the world—especially on the road.
Traffic gets heavier, tempers get shorter, and even the most patient drivers suddenly find themselves doing that deep breath we only do in December.
Sooner or later, we all feel the impact of this busy season.
The rush, the lines, the shipping deadlines—it changes how we move, think, and, yes, how we drive. And it’s not just the shoppers who feel it. Even our mail carriers—kind, hardworking, and usually calm—are showing signs of holiday overload.
I was reminded of this recently.
I had just left a dental appointment—one of those routine visits where you come out with half your face numb and a faint hope that maybe you don’t sound as funny as you think you do. I wasn’t stressed. I wasn’t rushing. I wasn’t caffeinated yet, because my latte from my favorite coffee shop isn’t ready until later in the morning. And I wasn’t glued to my phone either—no emails, no notifications, nothing distracting me.
I was driving home and minding my business.
And then, as always happens in December, the universe decided to add a little holiday chaos to my schedule.
A Wake-Up Call at the Stop Sign
As I approached an intersection near my neighborhood, I noticed a mail truck coming from the opposite street. Nothing unusual—until he blew straight through the stop sign like it was merely a suggestion. He didn’t look to his left at all… and of course, I was the one coming from the left.
This made me realize how easily holiday stress can lead to risky driving, so I want to remind everyone to stay alert and prioritize safety, especially during busy times.
For a split second, I thought, “Well, here we go. This is the moment my car and I get flattened by holiday mail.”
But then something unexpected happened—he realized, a little too late, that he wasn’t alone on the road. He finally caught sight of me at the very last second and slammed on his brakes so hard the truck rocked forward. Packages probably shifted inside. My heart definitely did.
I’m always a defensive driver, so I had already slowed down.
I saw the whole situation forming before he did.
The gentleman looked frazzled, hurried, and absolutely overwhelmed. And honestly? I couldn’t blame him. Even our mail is stressed out this time of year. Before I go further, let me be clear: this was not my regular mail carrier.
Everyone hopes their deliveries show up when they’re supposed to, and all of that pressure ends up on the person driving the truck.
The boxes keep coming, the deadlines keep shrinking, and people, myself included, keep refreshing their tracking numbers, hoping their packages might magically arrive. I’m the same way—I want my things on time too. And somehow it all falls on these tired drivers trying to keep up.
So yes, he was in a hurry. Honestly, I would be in a hurry too.
But as my car rolled to a stop, I had to laugh—partly because the alternative was yelling, and I didn’t want to waste that kind of energy on a stranger who clearly needed a coffee break. Driving away, the humor of it stayed with me, encouraging a sense of lightness and resilience amid the chaos.
A Reminder Wrapped in Gratitude
We all need reminders to slow down and practice patience, because it fosters calm and understanding in the midst of busy times.
Not to shame or criticize anyone, but to protect one another.
Delivery workers are exhausted. Shoppers are distracted. Parents are scrambling. Roads are chaotic. Time feels shorter than usual.
And sometimes, even well-meaning people run a stop sign without realizing they’re about to send someone else into early retirement.
So here is my message—not a complaint, but a gentle reminder wrapped in gratitude to help you feel appreciated and connected.
To all the postal workers out there:
We notice you. We’re grateful for you, and we understand how intense this season can get. Just take care out there. Getting everything delivered is essential, but so is your safety.
We count on you all year long, not just in December.
When I finally pulled into my driveway, I felt this unexpected wave of gratitude wash over me. Not for the scare itself—my heart would definitely disagree—but for the little reminder it brought with it. It pulled me back into the moment and made me pay attention again.
Slow down when you can, be kind when things get hectic, and give people—yourself included—a little more room to breathe. Remember, the holidays are busy, but we don’t have to rush through them as if we’re trying to outrun the clock. Taking a moment to pause can help us stay present and reduce stress, making the season more joyful for all.
Because honestly, a little patience—and a little humor—might be the only things that help us slip through this busy season in one piece.
Happy Holidays!
>> Want more from Nunzia about the holidays? Check out her article, This Holiday Season, I’m Choosing what Feels Good—Not what Looks Perfect.
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