I know, I know. It is a publicity gig. But it brought me and a plane load of people to tears and laughter simultaneously. This
video shows an airline who put a Santa in one terminal, who asked passengers what they wanted for Christmas, and then employees ran to the stores in their arriving city to buy and wrap them. When the travelers got to the carousel to pick up their luggage, their wishes came true.
While there can be stress around finding the right gift for someone, pants that fit, a scarf that's the right color, a game they don't already have, it is also a real time exercise in paying attention.
What does she like?
What kind of shirts does he wear?
When did I see him smile over a gift?
Would she like green or blue?
It's a chance to climb out of our innate egocentricity for a jaunt into generosity. Giving gifts is one of the five love languages that show up in marriage. While it does not rank high for everyone, it is hard to resist a well thought out present.
I still soften to recall the time John bought me a roll top desk. I keep track of the paperwork and bills, and he is grateful. To support that effort he scoured eBay until he found an oak desk with forty drawers within driving distance. He rented a U Haul and fetched it in the window of time while I was gone. I arrived home minutes after it was shoved into place. I never asked for one. He figured out what might make my life easier. That feels like love.
This year I am especially stoked about the tandem bicycle waiting for two little girls. They didn't suggest it. Maybe they have never seen one. But as I anticipate their excitement, Christmas builds inside of me.
There is an ongoing competition to make Ben smile. His siblings have spent weeks planning gifts like felted Angry Birds, Woody dolls and Lego cars. The contest is about making him laugh, but they are the winners.
When our daughter traveled Europe she brought home specialty cheeses and chocolates for us. Considering the small space available in her back pack, it was a magnanimous effort. The memory has lasted far longer than the burst of flavor.
When our son flew on a red eye from California, arriving bright and early Christmas morning, he actually brought Zack's favorite burger from In 'n Out, a chain that does not exist in Pennsylvania. The reaction was instantaneous and exuberant. That took thoughtfulness.
While the food gets eaten and the clothes become outgrown, the selflessness lingers a long time.
. .
