IMPATIENCE and frayed tempers are leading increasing reports of verbal attacks and abuse on those selling presents and catering to catch-ups across the city this festive season.
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Compassionate Ballarat is urging everyone to take better care of themselves and others amid increasing reports retail staff are feeling the brunt of shoppers' seasonal stress leading into Christmas.
Federation University researcher Lynne Reeder, who is on the volunteer organisation's steering committee, said in the past such a toll was more common in verbal and physical attacks on emergency services workers at Christmas but now reports of bad behaviour were growing community wide.
This comes within a fortnight of The Courier reporter Greg Gliddon's call on Ballarat to why we were being so mean.
His report details a stream of drivers mocking a group of Spilt Milk festival goers trying to flag a ride in Ballarat North, a mother watching her child throwing items at swans by the lake, anger on the roads (particularly roundabouts) and a young woman's car window smashed for the fun of it while she was sleeping. All on one weekend.
Figures from the retail and fast food workers' union, Shop Distributive ad Allied Employees Association, show more than 85 per cent had experienced abuse from customers.
Dr Reeder feared this tended to be far worse at Christmastime.
We know that shared trust is our only real protection against the uncertainty and stress that the end of the year can bring.
- Lynne Reeder, Compassionate Ballarat
"In creating a nurturing community, we know that shared trust is our only real protection against the uncertainty and stress that the end of the year can bring," Dr Reeder said.
"Ballarat is a community that cares and Compassionate Ballarat is calling on residents when they are feeling stressed to recall the deep gratitude for all that we have, and to stop and consider the impact of our behaviour on ourselves and others.
"Pause, take a breath and smile - look after yourself and in so doing look after those all around you, particularly those who are helping you."
- READ MORE: What is Compassionate Ballarat?
Compassionate Ballarat's top tips for a more peaceful Christmas
For you: take time to listen to music, like a Christmas choir; take a walk in nature or spend time with others; spend time with others, like a Libraries After Dark session; explore the city's pop-up gingerbread house with your children.
To help support others, Compassionate Ballarat suggests: bringing a bad of food to the animal shelter; mowing a neighbour's lawn; hand-making gifts; volunteer at the Soup Bus or Breezeway; or, give to the 3BA Christmas Appeal.
Most of all, Dr Reeder urged people to be nicer - no matter the queues.
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HAVE YOUR SAY: Are you a shop worker who has felt the burn of short tempers and abusive customers this Christmas?
