Christmas spirit

I had a long post drafted last week about the Christmas spirit, and how I hadn't been feeling Christmas-y yet this season. When I went to post today, I realized none of that was true anymore.

After work on Friday, I ran to the Plaza to exchange a top at H&M. If you're not familiar with the Kansas City area, the Plaza is our city's pride and joy at Christmastime.
While the Plaza is a very nice area, it naturally attracts the less fortunate, who sit on the sidewalks asking for money. I was walking out of H&M when I saw an older lady in a wheelchair with a sign asking for donations about 15 feet in the direction opposite of my car. I started to turn towards the parking garage when I saw a well-dressed older man and his wife stop and talk with the woman in need. They had a lively chat of a minute or so before he handed her a 20 dollar bill and continued towards me. The woman in the wheelchair was glowing. Yes, I was just standing there, watching her happiness unfold.
I know this sort of thing happens often, but for some reason that was the trigger that sent me in to full-blown Christmas spirit. I walked to my car literally smiling I was so happy to have witnessed that random act of kindness.

From that point on, my cheery Christmas mood was catapulted in to overdrive with all of the fun festivities of the weekend.

sparkles and curls for a holiday party at Arrowhead stadium.

using the estate sale KitchenAid in preparation for a cookie exhange.

Homemade lasagna and wine in Waterford crystal before the ballet.

The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center. (Recognize those two?)

Our view of the stage from our box seats. NBD.

It was busy. It was fun. It was really festive.
Bring on the cold and snow and holiday music. I'm ready now.