Vote with your Wallet

Last night, I was headed home and an accident had traffic backed up for miles. So, I exited instead and decided to wait it out having dinner. I was supposed to grill a steak, so I decided to stick with that theme and went “down undah” to Outback Steakhouse.

I’m not going to give a complete restaurant review; let’s just say I would go back.

But the highlight wasn’t the Bloomin’ Onion, but the waiter (that’s Old School for ‘server’). He was quite attentive, and at the end of the meal he stopped by as I was putting on my coat.

“Happy Holidays!” he said with a smile. And then, after an ever-so-brief hesitation, he said “and Merry Christmas!” Of course I returned the greeting to him as well.

Now, my friend Dean thinks I’m being silly to segregate my shopping to pro-Christmas stores. But, you vote with your wallet, so that is what I do.

And as for “Dave” at Outback and his Christmas Spirit…I tipped him and extra $10 beyond the 20% for service. On the receipt, I wrote “An extra tip for saying ‘Merry Christmas’! Thank you.”

It serves no point to protest in silence. Let people know when what they do is appreciated…or not!