Christmas spirit spreads

Dear editor:

I'm sure I looked like a grooty bag lady when I entered the restaurant, but I just had to pick up a few things at the store and who dresses up for that? Finding a forgotten gift card in my wallet, I decided to treat myself to lunch, disregarding the spot of soot on the sleeve of my 30-year-old sweater.

Seated next to a young couple I ordered the soup and salad and enjoyed my meal. However, when the bill was presented it was marked PAID by that couple who wished me a Merry Christmas. I had been searching for the Christmas Spirit and it had found me.

I left a little extra in the tip, decided to bake Christmas bread which called for a rather expensive spice, which I otherwise would not purchase. Merry Christmas, Albertson's!

Who can resist the spell of tinkling bells? A little cash in the red kettle. Merry Christmas, Salvation Army!

Isn't it wonderful what Christmas does to people? Merry Christmas, Mountain Home!

-- Nancy Martin