That Old Holiday Spirit

That Old Holiday Spirit        

            It’s interesting how this time of year brings out different emotions in different people.  The weather, the crowds, the music, the decorations; it all figures in to how each of us put on our holiday faces.

            For instance.  The weekend before Thanksgiving, I was running some errands with my granddaughter Ruby who is three.  Her two brothers were off to a birthday party, so Ruby came with me to do a little shopping. 

            One of our stops was in Walgreens.  Outside the doors on the sidewalk was the ubiquitous Salvation Army bell ringer with his kettle collecting money for those folks who need a little help.  It was a chilly day, but our volunteer was cheerful as could be smiling above his red apron, nodding and wishing all a happy holiday.  I fumbled in my purse to get some money for Ruby to put into the kettle.  She waited patiently, and the Salvation Army worker asked if she wanted to ring the bell.  Of course she did, and she rang it a little while and then stuffed the money into the kettle.

            Just as she finished a woman came whisking toward the front door of the store from the parking lot.  She was probably in her mid-thirties, well-dressed and coiffed.  She was alone and in a hurry.

            “Oh!” she said, pausing briefly to glance at the Salvation Army bell ringer, his kettle, and I guess, Ruby and me.  Her face contorted in an angry grimace and she huffed audibly.  She could not have been more exasperated.  “Oh!  It’s not even Thanksgiving!  Jesus Christ!”

           

            Needless to say, she didn’t put any money in the kettle. At least she knew whom the season was all about.  Hope your holiday is better than hers.  In any event, I know she sure gave me a good laugh.