Christmas Spirit

Today is December 26, 2009. The day AFTER Christmas. The ads were on TV last night announcing that stores would be opening at 7, 6, no 5:00am to cash in on those people trying to save a dollar, don't have anything more important to do, or worse yet, buy more things they don't need or can do without.

But this is what's sad. It's the day after Christmas folks, can't it wait? Are the presents open, perhaps wrapping paper all over the floor? Are the little ones still playing with their toys?. So, what's missing? Answer to come at the bottom. Clue: the movie Scrooged with Bill Murrary when he makes his speech at the end of the movie.

We came to Florida to get away from everything up north so there weren't any presents to buy. I did buy Mitzee two large bones which she won't eat and I bought Martin a beautiful card (he said so). I had just a few things to buy so I went to SuperTarget even though I knew it would be busy.

Anyway, I walked in, grabbed a cart, and heard a womann say "look at those lines." Well, da, its Christmas Eve. They were long but I figured I'd get my shopping done and with the grace of God, they'd be better.

Now, anyone who REALLY knows me, knows several important things about me: I love Christ, I love my husband and family and people, I love Christmas, christmas music and decorating for christmas. I start playing Christmas music in July, start the countdown to Christmas around August, and wish the Christmas spirit would be evident all year round.

There were people stepping over each other and being curt. Observation only Lord...not a judgement. So as I always do, I started singing Christmas songs. And if that didn't make me look crazy, I started wishing people a merry christmas. Oh my mitzee, call the crazy wagon!!!!

Now several things will happen when you do this. One, people will look and stare. People will look and comment (sometimes outloud--the kid did). People will go the other way shaking their heads and SOMETIMES, you get that one person who knows the true appreciation for all things large and small and he/she will say thank you.

Not being discouraged I kept singing, found my items and headed to the registers which were almost empty. I was singing my favorite, Home for the Holidays. It always brings me to tears (personal--if you want the story you'll have to ask).

I paid, loaded the items in my cart and as I took the last bag, a man stopped and said, thank you for singing and merry christmas. Thank you Lord. I touched one person and that's all it takes.

As I headed for the door, I saw the people in front of me, he was singing my song and I'm thinking it was to mock me. I don't think he knew I was behind him so I asked if he was going to be home. He didn't answer. What Christmas spirit.

I loaded the car and as always asked Mitzee to scoot over so I could drive and headed to Pier 1 still trying to find a star or angel for the little tree we have. They had a wonderful and FULL stock of ornaments. A lady approached me and I asked if everything was 25% off and she laughed and said only the wrapping paper was on sale. Out I went. Don't need a topper this year.

But there again it speaks to the spirit which is to the dollar and how the retailers will fair. OK, I do admit this is my judgement and opinion.

I guarantee you, when you step out anywhere today, you will find that it's as if Christmas was a long ago memory and not just 11 hours ago. Isn't that sad? We get so hyped up to get the right gift, working off a list, mind you. Wrap it, not spend too much, decorate, work, have relationships, we forget to be kind to each other. It's like Bill Murray said: It's the one day in the year we are the people we always hoped we'd be.

But, why can't we be that people EVERY DAY? Think about it.


Merry Christmas and may the rest of your year be happy and safe. And may 2010 be happy, healthy and prosperous. May God bless you.