The Christmas Eve's Eve ShopRite Incidence.

While in the 20-items-or-less line, the woman behind me kept pushing her cart into my cart while I was in front of it which in turn pushed up against my side as I stood waiting for my turn to be rung up. Usually I'd give people like this the crazed-eyed death stare because no amount of pushing is going to make the cashier work any faster and it definitely wouldn't have made me move any faster. But I was determined to have a stress-free holiday so I ignored it.

When the cashier finished ringing my items up and turned to help me bag my items, I pulled out my wallet to pay him, but instead the woman pushed cash into the cashier's hand.

"Oh, wait, I'm sorry--these are my groceries," I said, confused.
"I know. I'd like to pay for them." She gently pushed my hand away.
".....errr...but that's really alright. I've got it."
"I'm sure you do. But I'd like to pay for them, if you don't mind."

OF COURSE I DON'T MIND! I MEAN, PAY FOR MY GROCERIES? HAIL-YES! BUT I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO DESERVE YOUR KINDNESS! We stood there blinking at one another for a few seconds. What was I supposed to? I felt warm and fuzzy inside, so I did what I normally do when I feel warm and fuzzy inside: I got teary eyed. And smiled. She smiled back. "Well, go on and stop holding up the line already." She nudged her cart once more into my side.

I finished bagging my items and as I carted away, I realized I forgot to thank her. I turned around and almost ran into her with my cart.

"Thank you. For paying for my groceries. It's very kind of you and I appreciate it a lot."
"It's my pleasure, dear."
"Merry Christmas."

Then she took me into her arms and hugged me, gently patted me on the back and said, "Merry Christmas."
* * *
I don't think I've experienced this kind of kindness from a stranger in a very long time. Or ever, really. Whether it was because of the holiday spirit or not, I truly hope that this is the kind of kindness I can aspire to have, maintain, and pass on. Kindness truly is contagious.