Monday, December 25, 2006
merry day
It's been an interesting few days for me because I've been feeling more irritated than usual about the commercialism while - at the same time - being aware of more generosity and sweetness than usual, too. Shopkeepers seemed exceptionally pleasant and nice this year, colleagues warmer, many friends more full of good wishes. The crowning moment came in my local Stop 'n' Shop grocery store around 4 in the afternoon on Christmas Eve. The p.a. system came on and the store manager wished everyone a happy and healthy holiday, however we choose to celebrate. I was waiting for some announcement about closing soon so hurry up and shop, when instead he paused and seemed to smile before saying "and if I may have your attention for one more moment, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. . . . " He went on to read the whole thing. Everyone in the store was listening to the familiar words, although it's longer and more detailed than most of us knew. judging by the looks of surprise at some lines. Registers seemed quieter, carts seemed less noisy and everyone passed each other with a smile and a nod, mouthing "merry christmas". A lovely special moment. About ten moments, actually, and when it was done, we all sighed a little wistfully because the magic was over. Then we applauded and someone even shouted "Encore!" It was a wonderful way to begin Christmas Eve evening and I'm thankful I was there.
Labels: holidays, reflections, s.p.e.e.d.ing
I went to the grocery store Sunday for some last-minute items. I've never seen the store so packed. Yet it was cheerful too...more than one person was singing or humming along with the piped-in Christmas music. A bunch of people with full carts waved through a lady who just needed a jar of some spice for her stuffing, sending her up to the front of the line. (She'd given up on the "express line" which was just about out the door.) It could have been an unpleasant experience, yet everyone was so full of Christmas cheer that I came home feeling happier than when I'd left.
Best wishes, Laura
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