Santa alive and well in T.O.

Shortly before Christmas, I was lucky to receive a taste of the true spirit of the season.

In a crowded store, my two tired toddlers in tow, I found none of the gifts I sought for others but did happen upon a shirt that would be a treat for me to wear Christmas Day. Dressing up for this stay-at-home mom usually means choosing the shirt with just the blueberry stains.

However, the lines at the store were particularly long, and my children were already cranky from being in too many stores in a row. I put the shirt down and took the kids home.

Later the same day, I found outside my front door a festively wrapped package simply addressed "Neighbor," and its card read, "From one mother to another who knows exactly what it's like to console a child in a long line. May your spirit be bright! Merry Christmas!" It was signed "The Neighborhood Santa."

The package contained the shirt I had, somewhat disappointedly, left behind at the store.

I've enjoyed wearing my snowflake-covered mock turtleneck (as an Ohio native, I get sentimental about snow at Christmas). But more important than the shirt were the thoughtfulness and kindness shown to me by this anonymous Santa.

This act was truly heartwarming, and it brightens my spirit every time I think of it. I feel fortunate to live in a community with people such as this.

If, dear Neighborhood Santa, you happen to read this letter, please accept it as a heartfelt thank-you from an appreciative mommy who--since you stopped at my doorstep--has found more and more opportunities to pay your kindness forward. Grace Allen Newbury Park