December 24, 2003

The Underground Christmas Spirit

It was one of those spur-of-the-moment things. Just as we pulled into my subway stop this morning I decided I was going to wish everyone in my car a booming Merry Christmas. My impromptu holiday plan would take place just as I took my exit. I envisioned the good cheer and commuter camaraderie that we still-in-town workers would share.

But could I summon enough chutzpah to pull this off? It wouldn’t be the first time. I had no time to think twice. If I hesitated for a second I would falter. The train pulled to a stop and the chimes announced the doors’ opening. I grabbed my backpack and stood up.

Just as I opened my mouth a deep voice from behind me said, “Sir, you forgot this.” I turned around to see a Santa handing me my umbrella.

“Thank you,” I said much more quietly than I had anticipated just seconds before. “Merry Christmas to you.”

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