The Gift of the Magi

Tonight I had the honor of procuring Christmas treasures, disguised as toys, for a toy drive that my place of employment is involved in. I had cash in hand, a budget and a game plan.

My first stop was the Disney store where I picked out four plush animals; Dumbo, Donald Duck, Pooh (of course) and an Alligator guy from the Frog Princess. I also was able to get two die cast metal characters from the Cars movie. The last of the goodies was a bucket of good old fashioned American Army Guys.

After that, I went to Wal-Mart. I found the mother lode for sure. I got enough toys to deplete the budget and fill Santa's pack!

Lego's and Star Wars, Webkins and dollys, Hot Wheels and puzzles, Playdoh and Barbie. An orange recorder, Candyland too...It was entirely too much fun!

So I am in the checkout line and I am watching the tab rise, higher and higher, like the Christmas Star and I had to interrupt my checker, as I drew nearer to zero dollars.

There were about six toys left on the conveyor and Peg, the cashier, asked me if I would like to trade any of the ones left, for any of the ones she  had already scanned (very thoughtful question).

I told her that they were for a toy drive and that I really just wanted to make sure I had a nice assortment of boys and girls toys. She said to me,  "All of these are for kids who have no toys?". When I said yes, she told me she had money of her own, in her pocket, that she wanted to donate. Before I could protest, she started scanning the remaining six toys. The total of the almost forgotten toys, $12.37. The value of that sweet gift ... priceless! 

So yes Virginia, the spirit of Christmas is alive and well in a woman named Peg, who's generosity on this particular December night, made my heart grow two sizes larger!  I hugged her as I left, thanked her.

I knew that Peg's heart had also swelled.  I am certain of it because I heard her exclaim as I left from her sight, that she tries to do things that HE might. I am pretty sure she was talking about 8 lb 6 oz baby Jesus and not Santa Claus. Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!