That Christmas Feeling

The month of November glides in on a wisp of waning autumn air to usher in “the season”. Like a golden thread not here and there but all over the earth a perfect unity between God and man. The enchantment takes hold as we approach December and once again we see the wonder and innocence in the eyes of children.

We should not separate the purpose for which we are here and the meaning of Christmas and we can do this in the smallest things and that is to never lose the opportunity to be helpful and share the greatest gift of all “that Christmas feeling” elation and rejoicing. Open your heart, as a door is wide open to the world around you.

While waiting on line to pay for purchases there was a standstill. A Spanish speaking man wanted to pay for a pair of gloves. He was informed that he had not enough money. He seemed perplexed and tried once again to state he wanted the gloves. The customer directly behind him, a well-dressed man reached into his wallet and offered to pay the difference. At that another woman also offered to contribute. The man wanting the gloves smiled at the kindness of the strangers turned to thank them as he walked away with his gift. Accepting the thank you the good samara tan said in clear Spanish, “Feliz Navidid”. Everyone in that line smiled and their echo resounded clear, “Merry Christmas.”

A little girl of 6 went with her grandmother on Christmas Eve. The day h ad threatened snow and indeed it was snowing as they left the house. They were shopping for last minute items needed for the next day. All along the way there was a flurry of activity. Many last minute shoppers bundled up against the biting wind hurried along with packages and walking quickly through the new fallen snow. Madelyn was very sad. Her mother had died just a few months ago leaving her melancholy. As they passed the gay shoppers and lights from the stores filled with many bright lights and offering gifts of food clothing and toys, Madelyn saw in one window a little doll. Oh she was a beautiful little doll. She asked her grandmother if she could have it. It cost one dollar. Grandmother was a stern woman given no time for frivolities and quickly said no. A passerby saw the disappointment in the child and dropped a dollar in the snow. Madelyn saw the dollar and shouted with joy. “ May I have the doll now “ she asked.

Without another word the dollar was quickly taken away from Madelyn and no doll was given her. Madelyn carried that pain for years. I was able to give her a doll some time later but it was too late. Madelyn died no and no doll would ever be the same for her. Now every Christmas season I have sent a toy to a child unknown to me and say it is from Madelyn.

It not so much the material gift we give but the heart-warming joys we share. There are good people everywhere and sadly it is often ignored. We live in a fast paced world of many woes and unsolved problems. Let us remember Peace on earth, and share that Christmas feeling, all year round.