December 21, 2012

The Christmas Spirit

Who doesn’t like to people watch? You don’t have to sit outside of a coffee shop in Provincetown to do some serious people-watching, although that’s some of the best people-watching I’ve ever done. Take South Station in Boston, for instance. Whether you’re in town for business, pleasure or everyday work, you can arrive a few minutes early for your train and sit and watch. In my case, sit, watch, type and drink a mint hot chocolate from Dunk’s. Christmas music comes from a self-playing Baby Grand piano in the entryway and little travelers pose for pictures by the holiday train show. There are many more people here today, many traveling to their holiday destination. The site could bring any Grinch out of his/her funk and into the holiday spirit. At least this Grinch. Maybe not the grump I was talking with this morning.

Me: “I bet it will be busy here this afternoon” as we’re pulling into South Station this morning

Grump: “Oh yeah, a zoo” complete with a scour on her face

Me: “It’s kinda nice though, to see folks with their suitcases and presents.”

Grump: “I feel bad for them.”

Well ok then, there you have it. Yes, holiday travel is a hassle. And no doubt rides in planes, trains and automobiles can be stressful, but really lady? You feel bad for people heading home for Christmas because they have to weave their rolling suitcases through a crowds of people? And so I continued my day in a much better mood. I’m not a Grinch at all. I may feel behind in wrapping and I may stress about mopping the bathroom floors in time for visitors, but at least I understand the meaning of Christmas. God, I’m a ray of sunshine compared to that lady!

My train is pulling into one of the three stops in Brockton. Commuters are leaving the train with their laptops and shoulder bags as usual but also their shopping bags filled with presents, cards and wrapping paper. Wrapping paper! At least I’m not the only one who hasn’t started wrapping yet!!

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