Perhaps it’s because of the unseasonably warm weather that I’ve had a hard time getting my head around Christmas — already.
Thursday afternoon I saw bicyclists in T-shirts. Kids in shorts.
As night fell, I “worked” the Santa parade, snapping photos and writing down names. But as I trailed alongside the carolers, a funny thing started to happen. My gait became lighter, almost in step with “Jingle Bells.” And instead of taking photos, I started singing, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
I waved to strangers stopped in their cars along U.S. 54 as the parade brought traffic to a halt. The motorists rolled down their windows to hear the carolers. Kids outfitted with candy handed them treats. I’m hoping they were all out-of-towners who left our fair city amazed by its Christmas spirit.
By parade’s end we were in front of the Toy Shop where the line of families to visit Santa was several blocks deep. According to Humanity House organizers, people had begun to line up as early as 3 o’clock that afternoon.
And then, to be honest, it got a little tough. We have so many in our midst just scraping by. Standing at Hope Unlimited’s soup station I watched young and old take advantage of the free food. It broke my heart when a little girl came up to ask for seconds. And naturally, Lori Holman, child services advocate with Hope, gave her a warm smile as she handed her a new cupful of bean soup.
It was outside, before the wind turned north, that a woman came up to me.
Clad in a sweatshirt and jeans with a Santa hat sitting somewhat askew, Patsy Gomez took my arm.
“I’ve got something you should know,” she said. “The utility office called me today.” At that instant my heart stopped, fearing the news that her utilities had been shut off.
“They said someone had put $200 toward my account.
“I don’t know who it is, but I sure wish you could tell them I’m grateful,” she said. “I’ve never had anyone do such a thing for me.”
Once inside the toy shop, the children were overcome by its magic. Santa in his grandeur. Sparkling lights everywhere. And the toys — thousands of them!
Santa often had to lean in close, their small voices so faint. And then before their very eyes, elves granted their every wish.
THAT WAS my Christmas, come early.
Thank you, Iola.
