A lesson in kindness

One day last weekend I took my son to McDonald's for dinner. I'd like to say it was a rare treat but let's be honest here. In his defense he wanted Subway, which might be a bit healthier, but I wasn't feeling it so McD's it was. Sometimes I wonder just who is the parent and who's the child? But that's not what this post is about.

Even though I shared a meal with my kid that would make all health nuts cringe and most moms look at me with disapproval, I was also able to share a lesson in kindness. I'm thinking the importance of that makes up for my poor food choices.

The counter-person who took our order greeted us with a smile, repeated our order for accuracy and collected our food all with a wonderful attitude. She seemed to have pride in her work and it showed.

We ate in the restaurant and all through the meal I kept hearing her as she served each patron with the same great attitude she gave us.

I decided that since we were already fairly deep in the unhealthy rabbit hole, why not just go all the way, and so I went back and ordered us chocolate chip cookies. While at the counter I told the server what a great job she was doing. She grabbed her manager and I repeated my praise of her service. They both thanked me and then I was asked to mention this on the survey they advertise on their receipts.

On the way home, my son said, "You did a nice thing, Mom." I replied, "It's kindness and the world needs more of it." Those of you who have read my blog before know that I like to praise and recognize people for giving outstanding service.

I'd like to think that if she was having a bad day I made it a little better. Or, if the rest of her day hit a few bumps after I left that she can think back on my words and smile. We don't know her story. Maybe she's a struggling single mom. Maybe she's a student putting herself through school. Either way she's working in an industry where the employees have a bad rep. and she's doing a kick-ass job.

Later that evening I filled out the online survey and sang high praises of the counter-person. I only hope that my words were passed on to the appropriate people and maybe she benefited with some sort of bonus or incentive. Wink wink, nudge nudge McDonald's peeps.

The true meaning of Christmas

If you're in search of Christmas magic you should go see what's happening over here . An entire community of people helping those less fortunate provide a nice Christmas for their children. All in the name of a taxidermied boar, named after the 20th President of the U.S. Okay, so you need to be a follower of her blog to understand that last sentence.

It all started on Monday, December 15, with a simple post by The Bloggess: If you need help, or if you want to help. And from there it snowballed.

Some of the comments are heart-breaking. But the offered help and replies are truly humbling and show what Christmas is really about.

Those who have nothing to give are offering words of support and encouragement. Emails and holiday e-cards are being exchanged to those suffering from loneliness and despair. It's awe-inspiring and at the very least has restored many people's faith in humanity.

In addition, donations have been given to specifically named charities that help homeless children and help end world hunger and poverty.

The people (tribe as we are affectionately called) involved at this site have given more warm-fuzzies than the cuddliest of teddy bears. Just reading and watching from afar is like being wrapped in a fleece blanket while sipping hot chocolate. I half expect to hear a chorus of Who's singing Welcome Christmas.

So if you're cynical by nature or feeling Grinchy or Scrooge-like this season, know that there is good in the world. Sometimes you just have to look a little harder to find it. Sometimes it happens without much fanfare and across many miles and behind computer screens. But it's there.

This entire event has made believers out of us all that Santa Claus really does exist. And for the many, many children who will wake up Christmas morning to find presents under their tree when they (and especially their parents) didn't think there would be anything, the magic of Santa can continue.

Spreading a little holiday kindness

Everyone knows the song, "The 12 Days of Christmas", right? Well, this year I started my own variation on this popular holiday song. Instead of calling birds and partridges in pear trees I have been recognizing 12 friends on facebook with a private message telling them I appreciate them. Some have overcome great loss and tragedy this year. One is a former serviceman and another is a devoted mom. Each one is special in his/her own way and my recognition focuses on that.

I began doing this on Saturday, December 13 so my 12 days lead right up to Christmas. 

So far, this has been well-received and I've gotten surprised messages back thanking me for my kindness. But I'm not doing this for accolades. I'm doing this because the world is filled with horrors and sadness and because at this time of year, we could all benefit from a little kindness.

Please feel free to take this idea and use it to spread some holiday cheer and kindness to your own friends.