I'm mildly obsessed with efficiency, so it's not surprising that the madness surrounding the holidays - all the people and all the lines - brings out the worst in me. Fortunately, it brings out the best in others, or I would've found myself in a real pickle this morning.

My parents sent me to the grocery store to pick-up a last minute item, and I located it quickly. But then, when it came time to pay, the checkout lanes were overflowing with people. I looked down at the single item in my hand and then - miraculously - spotted an opening in the self-checkout area.

I bolted for it, just beating out a slowly moving couple headed in the same direction. Triumphant, I scanned my pie crust, thinking I'd model efficiency for everyone standing behind me. Except, just after the scanner registered my item, I realized there was already a PILE of groceries sitting in the bagging area.

About that time, a guy came over and said, "Hey there! I'm almost done," not realizing that I'd already scanned my item.

I fell over myself apologizing, as I pointed to the screen. "I'm so sorry, but I think it already scanned it..."

He looked, and - sure enough - my pie crust was among the forty other items he'd rung up. "I'll get a cashier to come void it," I suggested. He glanced at the line forming behind him.

"Nah," he said. "Forget it. It's Christmas. Your crust is on me. Merry Christmas!"

And Merry Christmas to you, sir. Or - as I'm going to start calling December 24: Crustmas.