Page 148 of The Twelve Months of Christmas
She was aware of a man a few people down the line, checking his cell phone, looking from her window to Helen’s and frowning. Oh, boy, the Grinch had hit town. Molly suspected no candy cane would sweeten his mood.
She was right. When he stepped up to her window, he greeted her with, “You should put more people on this time of year.”
She could almost hear Helen over at her window, thanking Santa for sparing her from having to deal with this holiday turkey.
“It is a busy time of year,” Molly said. “How may I help you?”
“Stamps,” he said shortly.
“Angels? Madonna and child?”
“Anything.”
She nodded and pulled out a sheet of angels. This guy could probably use some angels to watch over him.
He paid for his stamps, snatched them and started off.
“Sir, wait,” Molly called.
He turned, the frown still on his face.
“I have something for you.”
“What is it?” he demanded, marching back to the window.
She pulled out a handful of wrapped miniature candy canes and held them out. “To thank you for your business.”
He stared at them, nonplussed.
“I bet you have some kids in your family who will enjoy these,” she said.
He looked sheepish as he took them, his cheeks a little rosy, and muttered a thank-you.
“Merry Christmas,” she called as he hurried away.
Oh, no, and here came Mrs. Bigman, with a small shopping bag, which Molly was sure would contain a cookie redo.
“Giving away treats, that’s very nice of you,” she greeted Molly.
“Trying to keep the holiday spirit alive,” Molly replied.
Mrs. Bigman surprised her by saying, “You’ve done a good job of that all year, and I know people don’t always make it easy for you.”
One of the culprits was standing in front of her, but that had changed after the great cookie rescue. Mrs. Bigman had mellowed.
She reached into her bag and pulled out a round tin of butter cookies with a bow on it. “These are for you. I didn’t bake them,” she added with a smile in case Molly thought she was trying to pull a fast one.
The Christmas spirit flew past Molly and blew her a kiss.Thanks for doing your part to spread the joy.
“Aww, that is so sweet of you,” Molly said. “Thank you. It means a lot.”
“You deserve it, dear. And now, I need a stamp.” Mrs. Bigman dug in her bag and produced a greeting card–sized envelope. “No Christmas cookies this year. My son’s getting a gift card.”
“I’m sure he’ll appreciate it,” Molly said.
Their transaction was quickly done, and Mrs. Bigman left with a merry wave and a candy cane in her coat pocket.
And Molly was left with a smile. This job wasn’t so bad. You simply had to have the right attitude.
