I’m mildly obsessed with efficiency, so it’s not surprising that the madness surrounding the holidays – all the people and all the lines – brings out the worst in me. Fortunately, it brings out the best in others, or I would’ve found myself in a real pickle this morning.
My parents sent me to the grocery store to pick-up a last minute item, and I located it quickly. But then, when it came time to pay, the checkout lanes were overflowing with people. I looked down at the single item in my hand and then – miraculously – spotted an opening in the self-checkout area.
I bolted for it, just beating out a slowly moving couple headed in the same direction. Triumphant, I scanned my pie crust, thinking I’d model efficiency for everyone standing behind me. Except, just after the scanner registered my item, I realized there was already a PILE of groceries sitting in the bagging area.
About that time, a guy came over and said, “Hey there! I’m almost done,” not realizing that I’d already scanned my item.
I fell over myself apologizing, as I pointed to the screen. “I’m so sorry, but I think it already scanned it…”
He looked, and – sure enough – my pie crust was among the forty other items he’d rung up. “I’ll get a cashier to come void it,” I suggested. He glanced at the line forming behind him.
“Nah,” he said. “Forget it. It’s Christmas. Your crust is on me. Merry Christmas!”
And Merry Christmas to you, sir. Or – as I’m going to start calling December 24: Crustmas.
pithypants 
You were lucky that you found a kind person.
BTW, did you vote for me here 🙂
http://thedarkglobe.wordpress.com/2011/12/20/the-inaugural-dark-globes-artist-awards-voting-has-begun/
That was nice!
Now, where did you leave that banana for the filling?
That is awesome that he paid for it! What a nice guy. Wishing you a very merry crustmas! 🙂
Love the title and the tale! Glad to know nice people are still out there (or at the very least, people who are loathe to delay the line behind them any more).
May your crust be filled with the spirit of the season!
Thanks! Is it pushing it for me to insinuate that crust is the reason for the season?
Perfect!
What goes around, comes around. Hence, it’s why we call it “pi.” 🙂
Until I bite it.
Oh, that’s so nice. I love that about this time of year. Ordinary kindnesses go such a long way. Merry Christmas!
Great story! Don’t you wish that spirit of generosity lasted throughout the year–not the chaos part, just the kindness part!
Any spirit that allows me to cut lines with impunity is all right by me!