Over the weekend my mom and I chose to brave the crowds for whatis slated to be the busiest shopping day of the year.
But first we had to find a parking space.
Commenting on how soaked we were going to get by the sleet andsnow that was coming down outside, we managed to snag a spot thatwasn't too far away from the mall entrance.
Okay, so it was really about a quarter of a mile walk.
As we pulled into the spot and got out of the car, the woman whohad occupied it before us rolled down her car window.
"You guys want a ride to the front door?" she asked.
We graciously accepted the invitation and arrived at the doordry and warm.
When she pulled away from us with a wave and a "Happy Holidays"farewell, I was struck with gratitude.
After all, isn't that what the Christmas season is about?Helping others in all ways big and small?
Maybe I think of it as a kind of "pay it forward" deal, but Ithink it's only fair that when someone does a good deed for you,you pass it on in return.
It could be something that seems incredibly insignificant to you-- like letting the tired mom with the two crying kids go beforeyou in the checkout lane of the grocery store.
Or maybe it's something bigger than that -- like volunteeringyour time to ring the bell for the Salvation Army, "adopting" aneedy family who could use some cheer this Christmas or singingChristmas carols to people cooped up who are sick in a nursinghome.
Whatever it may be, now is the season to pass gratitude on.
Some of you may be thinking to yourselves that isn't so easy todo -- especially when you've got your hands full fulfilling yourloved ones' needs this Christmas.
Your older brother who's been pestering you for the newestversion of Grand Theft Auto. Your little niece who just can't livewithout the latest Bratz doll. Your girlfriend who's been askingfor that expensive diamond necklace.
And don't forget your own Christmas list: the new cell phoneyou've been dropping hints about, the DVD player that needsreplaced and that killer sweater that would go great with yourfavorite jeans.
This is the kind of thinking that can distract you from passingon those good deeds come Christmas time.
But giving of yourself to others during the holidays doesn'talways have to be a time-consuming task or a move reserved forthose who are less fortunate.
Sharing the holiday spirit can be as simple as giving someoneyour seat on the shuttle bus as you wish them a "MerryChristmas."
Offering to give the classmate who sits beside you a ride homebecause it's 20 degrees outside.
Thanking the workers who clean the cafeterias and Atrium fortheir dedication to an endless task.
Or taking out the trash, washing the dishes and sweeping theliving room when you weren't the culprit behind the mess.
Small as these gestures might seem, you may be surprised at theeffect they can have on people around you this time of year.
And if you happen to be on the receiving end of one of theserandom acts of holiday kindness, be sure to pass the favor on.
It's Christmas, after all.
Write to Gail at glkoch@bsu.edu
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