Tevun-Krus #23 - Holiday Special: Festival Edition

In the Holiday Spirit - by @LeighWStuart

 In the Holiday Spirit

***14 days before Christmas***

"Pathetic. This is the most sorry ass attempt at a window display I've ever seen. Did you grow up in the Soviet Union?" Lydia asked, waving at the store entrance.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't sure what I could use," Blainey said.

"Use? It's a toy store, Dumbo. Use the toys! Make it a winter wonderland of fake snow and overpriced movie merchandise. If you dazzle them, they won't notice the price tag. And remember, kids rule during the holidays."

"Really?"

"Yes. Now get the three boxes of TinkerToys and the diaper bag out of my window and make a display that will sell toys before I fire you. You are here to make me money, remember? The only reason I hired you was because you had a sense of personal hygiene that was distinctly higher than the other candidate. However, if you prove to be brainless, I won't be so picky about deodorant."

"All right," Blainey said.

Lydia shoved a stack of decorating magazines at her. "Learn something today. It will be good for you. And don't talk to any customers."

"Sorry." Blainey hurried to take her magazines to the cash register, pouring over them for ideas.

***13 days before Christmas***

"This is...actually not bad," Lydia said, walking in the door. She nodded as she inspected the store-wide window display, mentally calculating the monetary impact of frosty trees, sparkling ornaments, mounds of snow, gift-wrapped packages topped with enormous bows, twinkling stars, snowflakes, and a enough toys to thrill an entire elementary school that were frozen in action. Customers had to walk under a huge evergreen bower when they came inside. "It's not bad at all."

"Thank you, Lydia. I hope this lures the customers to us."

"Try to remember we're selling toys not fish-bait. Redecorate the rest of the store to match."

***10 days before Christmas***

"Blainey, I need you to greet and show merchandise, but leave difficult customers or anyone with questions to me. Act like a Barbie doll. Can you manage that? Does your I. Q. allow that much activity?" Lydia asked.

It was early and only a couple of grandparents with toddlers had come in so far, but they were in a buying mood and more were expected. The whole store had been decked out like a child's winter paradise fit to be featured in any of the magazines Blainey had studied. Lydia rubbed her hands together in anticipation of mega sales and her smile widened at each additional kid dragging an adult inside.

"I think so."

"Is that a yes? Just say yes or no," Lydia said. "When customers come in, you smile as if you're happy, say good morning or afternoon, and then ask if they are looking for anything in particular. No matter what they say, offer to show them an exceptional toy that is more expensive. Show them they need something they didn't even want. Dazzle them. I'll give you a list. Can you do this, yes or no?"

"Yes. I, uh, yes."

"And practice your smile in the back, you look like a crocodile."

***9 days before Christmas***

"Good morning, Lydia," Blainey said.

Lydia pulled up short. There was a new, walk-in display in the back corner. Evergreens, a fake hill covered in snow, and a selection of the most adorable animals and baby toys had been put together to make an irresistible nook.

"What is this?" Lydia asked.

"This is a new display to lure customers to our best items. It's to dazzle them."

"Um, right. I didn't ask you to—"

The jingling bell at the door interrupted her.

"Good morning," Blainey said to the harried woman who came in. "Can I help you find anything in particular?"

"Yes, I need something for my eight year old niece who already has all the toys in the world," she replied.

"Let me suggest—" Lydia said.

"Why don't you see if you like one of our toys in the snow cave," Blainey said, interrupting. "It's a special collection of our best toys."

The woman immediately headed towards the snow cave, saying that it looked like a toy covered yurt. She rummaged around inside the space, picking up boxes and bug-eyed stuffed animals.

"What's this one? It's beautiful!" she exclaimed.

Lydia moved to go in and answer.

"Just wait," Blainey said to her employer.

The woman cried out in surprise.

Lydia pushed Blainey aside to get in the nook and help the woman. Then she yelped as if something jumped out at her. It was quiet in the store for a minute afterwards, and Blainey continued to stare into the snow cave, not moving or speaking.

Both women came out of the arched entrance and Blainey stepped aside to let them pass. They turned in unison to face her.

"There are a few things about these humans you need to know," Blainey said.

They nodded once.

"You must wear deodorant. Remember to smile as though you are happy. Practice in front of a mirror. Tell everyone you meet good morning or afternoon. But most importantly, find a way to dazzle these humans. Lure them in, especially by using their children, so that they don't see the price tag until it's too late. We have nine more days of holiday spirit. Humans want to buy things they don't need. Understand?"

"We smile and dazzle," the former Lydia said. The other woman nodded.

"Here are the colonizing spores until you can make your own. One last thing, don't show too many teeth when you smile, or you'll look like crocodile."

The three women began laughing, exposing long rows of jagged teeth. The door jingled to announce more customers.

*** The End! I want to give a shout-out to elveloy who inspired me with her dark tale of Christmas day that you can find on her blog. Thank you for reading and have safe, happy holidays. ***