Ok, I know this is a weird thing to post on Christmas day, but bear with me.

I love Trader Joe’s. I love the atmosphere, all the interesting affordable food, the friendly employees who ask about your day or get into discussions about what you’re buying…I even kinda like the funky music. Hey, I’d work there myself if they didn’t pretty much require weekends.

Last night I ran in right before they closed (in literally five minutes), and after the usual chit-chat with the cashier, I collected my bag and wished him a Merry Christmas.

“Merry Christmas!” he said right back.

I couldn’t believe how wonderful and fresh it sounded. Or how surprised I was to hear it. Seriously, it shouldn’t be that big of a deal to hear “Merry Christmas”. But in this day, and living in a big city where people are more “politically correct”, that’s the first time someone at an establishment has actually said that to me this season. It’s been “Happy Holidays”/”Have a good holiday” etc – and if I beat them to the punch and said Merry Christmas first, I might get a “you too” in return, but no bingo.

I was further delighted when the guy who let me out (pried open) the door gifted me with another cheery “Merry Christmas!”. You should’ve seen my smile. CHRISTmas lives yet.