Christmas in February

Sometimes the Spirit of Christmas transcends the holiday season and what an unexpected joy that is.

During the warmer months when I can, I like to walk my eldest to school. Its a good way for her to get the blood pumping through her veins while breathing in fresh air, getting exercise, making her mind keen for a good day at school additionally, her sister also enjoys the trek - so great! Through our walking we have become friends with the crossing guard and although she does not actually have to help us cross the street the girls pass her station and there is always a warm greeting exchanged.

"Miss M, " as our crossing guard has affectionately become known is great fun, a retired lady with grandchildren of her own who likes nothing better than hearing about her extended family of crossees school days trials and tribulations. Even when I drove to pick up my eldest, both girls always liked to run back to school crossing to say hi to Miss M but then the weather changed and it became too cold for walking so we would wave vigorously to our friend as we motored past.

Yesterday the weather was so good that I decided that we could walk again. When we came to Miss M's station she greeted us with hugs as usual but this time she also told the girls that from Christmas she had gifts for them and would bring same for them today. Oh my girls were elated! On the way to school this morning I tried to caution them "no faces if there is not a gift this morning I think Miss M means to bring them this afternoon." But no need! As we turned the corner Miss M put down her sign and brought two little gift bags that really looked as if the had been waiting from christmas for the girls. I wondered what we could do for Miss M in return but then I remembered a sage little person once told me ..."they did give me gifts, they gave me hugs."