The shopping season is here, and to be honest, shopping’s not my favorite thing to do. Or at least that’s what I usually say, but Sunday was different. I started out by picking up our Christmas cards at Walgreens. They were so easy to do. I used my phone and the Walgreens app; there was a 60% off sale, so they were also not that expensive. I left Walgreens with a spring in my step that helped motivate me for the next stop.
After buying a gift card for the name I chose on the angel tree, I found a new-to-me-boutique, right in my home town. All about You. I hit the jackpot on gifts for my Secret Santa gift exchange at school as well as a Christmas t-shirt for me and do-dads for the grands. Having saved some money at Walgreens, I splurged at this shop.
With all this shopping success (not to mention a good phone chat with my sister in the parking lot), I decided to treat myself to a pumpkin cream cold brew at Starbucks. New Iberia is barely large enough to sustain a Starbucks, but this day there was a long drive-through line. No matter. I took the time to check email and Instagram and such. When I got to the overly cheerful man at the window, he announced, “The car ahead of you paid for your drink!”
“Oh no!” I exclaimed. “Pay it forward. Now I have to do it for someone else.”
“The order for the car behind you is only $…”
I flashed my phone and in the blink of an eye, I had passed on the holiday giving cheer.
Sometimes shopping is a burden, but this day turned a chore into a gift.
Reflections on the Teche 
So many wonderful happenstances to fill you with holiday joy. I hope this feeling will be sustained for many days.
Your post described how your attitude and mood were elevated by a series of “fortunate events” making your day a joy!
I do enjoy a good shopping trip, but am not a fan of crowds or lines making shopping this time of year tough most days; however, a pumpkin cold brew alone would lift my spirits!
Margaret,
This joy of giving is certainly the balm in the midst of holiday chaos. I recently noticed a situation happening near me and had an opportunity in a Chick-fil-A to give to a man who had just been released from prison and was hungry. He wasn’t asking for money – he was asking for food and a job opportunity. When I saw his need, it reminded me to be sensitive to others – and to keep some lunch gift cards tucked away to privately hand to those I think need to be reminded that there is still a strong presence of love for others in this world. Thanks for inspiring me to pay forward as another way to realize the joy of giving!
I love this story. I think I’ll do the same with carrying gift cards. Our local pantry gives gift cards at Christmas to the kids. One thing I was excited to find at Walgreens was the huge selection of gift cards. One stop shopping is a plus!
Pass it forward, indeed. How we all should live our lives. That would make life a lot easier! Happy Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah, and whatever you celebrate. The important thing is to celebrate!
Your post this morning was a great start to my day.
What a great shopping experience! I actually wrote about a positive encounter at Target today. It’s nice to know there is kindness swirling about in our world. Glad you got to enjoy some of it!
I think we read each other’s slice at the same time. Ha!
I love your shopping experience, Margaret! PIF – don’t you just love that! I have also been the recipient of that at the Starbucks drive-up window! It does give you a great feeling! I’m not a great fan of shopping either, but have been embracing it more this year in short bursts! It seems to be working! Cheers!
Oh how I love this! I love all the generosity and joy and now I need to try that Starbucks drink too! 🙂