Simply Having A Wonderful Christmastime
Christmas is on the horizon. It's obvious, isn't it? The biting chill in the air, the snowflakes starting to fall, the winter coats, the scarves, the hats, stores filled with decorations, lights, cards, trees, wreathes, ornaments, stockings...they hit you at every turn.
For me, I truly know that the Christmas season has arrived once I hear the Salvation Army bell ringing.
I went to Walgreens this past Friday and there it was; the Christmas pot with its jolly bell-ringer by its side. It was bitter cold that day. I feel sorry for the bell-ringers. They always look so cold. I'm sure they feel snubbed and maybe even take it personally when no one drops money into their Christmas pot. It's a good cause. I usually drop in whatever change I have in my pocket, or a dollar or two if I've no spare change. That didn't feel like enough for me that day. After I left, I drove over to the gas station and bought a large cup of steaming coffee. I brought it back to her to help keep her warm while she was collecting for the needy.
It was another of those moments for me; a revelation. You know the feeling when you realize you're becoming your mother? It was one of those moments. I used to make fun of my mother for doing things like that. She used to serve lemonade or iced tea to the construction workers when they were out in front of her house. At the time, I thought it was odd...perhaps simple. I've learned over the years that she was just being herself, giving of herself. In a way it was simple, a simple act of kindness.
Maybe I've got the Christmas spirit bug. Maybe I'm trying to skip over Thanksgiving and go right to Christmas this year. Maybe I'm just thankful to be alive.
Or maybe it's all of the above.
For me, I truly know that the Christmas season has arrived once I hear the Salvation Army bell ringing.
I went to Walgreens this past Friday and there it was; the Christmas pot with its jolly bell-ringer by its side. It was bitter cold that day. I feel sorry for the bell-ringers. They always look so cold. I'm sure they feel snubbed and maybe even take it personally when no one drops money into their Christmas pot. It's a good cause. I usually drop in whatever change I have in my pocket, or a dollar or two if I've no spare change. That didn't feel like enough for me that day. After I left, I drove over to the gas station and bought a large cup of steaming coffee. I brought it back to her to help keep her warm while she was collecting for the needy.
It was another of those moments for me; a revelation. You know the feeling when you realize you're becoming your mother? It was one of those moments. I used to make fun of my mother for doing things like that. She used to serve lemonade or iced tea to the construction workers when they were out in front of her house. At the time, I thought it was odd...perhaps simple. I've learned over the years that she was just being herself, giving of herself. In a way it was simple, a simple act of kindness.
Maybe I've got the Christmas spirit bug. Maybe I'm trying to skip over Thanksgiving and go right to Christmas this year. Maybe I'm just thankful to be alive.
Or maybe it's all of the above.
posted by Brownie at
12:00 AM
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4 comments
