Santa eats breakfast too.....

This past Wednesday I decided to go out to my regular diner for breakfast. I hadn't been there in a while. I don't go out as much as I used to. The diner was decorated for the holidays, my waitress was wearing red and a special holiday apron plus just about everyone had that Christmas smile on. Even before I was seated my waitress had my first cup of coffee on the counter and asked if I wanted my regular order. It was great to be back. My breakfast was very good as usual. I have their breakfast special. That's two eggs, home fries, toast, coffee and orange juice. I have my eggs over medium with rye toast. It was much appreciated when she offered me a third cup of coffee which was great to go with this very cold morning. As I sat there daydreaming a little while drinking that third cup, Santa was at the check out to pay for his breakfast. I don't know if he was a regular or not, but the owner of the diner said that his breakfast was on the house. Now there wasn't any kids in the place to prompt this goodwill gesture, only the spirit of Christmas in these two men came together to bring this present to those in the diner that felt it. Just like the hearts of those holiday giving people, our hearts filled with that special warmth of knowing that, "yes Santa really does exist". "And he eats breakfast where I do!"

My 2009 Christmas gift to me.....

Each year for Christmas since my wife died I give myself something special. It had to be something that no one would know that I wanted or needed and wouldn't cost an arm and a leg to get. Sometimes these gifts would be just a quiet time spent some place I wouldn't normally go to. Other times it was a special book or spending time with a friend I hadn't seen for a while. This year my gift to myself is a very special gift that I've been a little afraid to give to myself. It's a few written notes and letters that my late wife wrote to me at the very beginning of our relationship that she never gave to me. I found them when I was going through her things just after she died. These writings are now over thirty years old and I haven't read them fully. Until this time I just read a few words here and there. I just haven't been able to read those words without feeling like I would explode with my emotions. This is the year I plan to read those words on Christmas Eve.

The Holiday Season.....

I think all of us should try to give gifts to others that come from the heart more than money. These gifts can sometimes be so apparent that all around see them. Such as, opening a door for someone, letting a person check out ahead of you or just being polite to the waitress or waiter. Other times the gift is less noticeable. Such as, calling someone just to say hello, thinking of a person who has moved away or died. These gifts are also gifts for the giver. We feel better about the holiday season which in turn affects how we interact with others and also helps to boost our immune system. Other gifts could be, finding a new friend on facebook, tweet on the positive for the whole holiday season or email those people that you haven't for a while. Let's all think of ways to give from the heart and not the wallet. I don't think that it makes much sense to read or watch heart inspiring stories and then cut others off in traffic, yell those foul four letter words at kids in the store just because they're full of the holiday excitement or try to walk over others physically or verbally in the stores.