I just saw Santa, driving a bright blue SUV, leaving the parking lot of Little Company of Mary Hospital. He waved at me and motioned me to cross the street ahead of him.
That’s all it took – a wave from Santa. All my momentary irritation from the struggle to find a parking spot in the crowded lot melted away. I blurted to the receptionist: “I just saw Santa leaving the parking lot.” She laughed that she had seen him too.
Still aglow from my chance encounter with the twinkling eyes atop the snowy beard, I asked the little girl in the elevator, who wore a Santa hat, if she were Santa. “Yes,” she laughed, and as she skipped away I told her where I had just seen Santa. By then every eye on the elevator twinkled.
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Santa does not have a monopoly on the magical ability to brighten the day for strangers. Some years ago there was a particularly dour parking attendant at a lot I frequented. I finally grew tired of being dragged down by her joyless countenance each time I handed over my parking pass. I made it my mission to brighten her day. I began with just a word or two and a cheery, “have a good day,” as I drove out. In surprisingly short order she broke into a smile each time I pulled up. We progressed to more pleasantries and mutual well wishes. Eventually we even had brief chats about our plans for the day. I had a new friend.
A little kindness makes the eyes twinkle. Each one of us has the power to bring a little joy to complete strangers. I find it so easy to rush through the check out line without a word or to ride the elevator in silence with all the others staring straight ahead. My day is always better when I try to start a little conversation. Others usually respond with their own pleasantries and depart with a smile.
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Don’t wait for Santa. Be a Santa who waves or smiles or says, “hope you have a nice day.” Be a Santa who comments on the bright scarf or nice tie of the one next to you. Be a Santa who notices the harried stranger rushing by and puts a smile on their face for a moment. All your own days will be brighter and likewise for all those strangers upon whom you smile!
