In the story “Miracle” by Connie Willis, Lauren arrives at work to find a Christmas tree in the lobby and the receptionist watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” on the Security monitor. In her office, her coworker Evie tells her that the tree in the lobby and the cable TV for the receptionist are just a few of the decorations and enhancements that are being carried out by the Personnel Morale Special Committee. Evie asks if she can borrow her stapler, as she’s lost hers, and needs to staple paperwork together for the catalogue shopping she is doing. She is impressed that Lauren has purchased nearly all her presents for her friends and family, as they still have an entire four days until Christmas!
Lauren admits that she started her holiday shopping in September. Unlike previous years, she won’t wait until the last minute and then snap up whatever’s left in the shops: she’s actually trying to buy people the items she thinks they’ll want. Still, Lauren’s at an impasse as to what to give her sister. Evie offers her ideas from her catalogue, such as an annual subscription to the Water of the Month club. Each month, her sister would receive bottles of a different brand of bottled water. Lauren’s not sold on this; nor do Evie’s suggestions of the Sunscreen of the Month club or the Vegetable of the Month club appeal to her sensibilities. Hopefully a better idea will occur to her. Her sister is into New Age stuff, such as Channeling and Aromatherapy, Lauren tells Evie.
“How about the Eastern Philosophy of the Month club?” Evie suggests.
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| Santa always knows just what we want for Christmas! |
Lauren also learns that she has drawn Fred from the Documentation Department for this year’s Secret Santa Gift exchange. She drummed up a conversation with him last year at the Christmas Eve party, and discovered that he’s about the only other person on Earth who shares her belief that “Miracle on 34th Street” is a superior movie to “It’s a Wonderful Life.” She knows exactly what to get him.
Although both women have sought to capture the attention of the dreamy Scott, Evie declares that she has given up pursuit, deciding that she’s not cute enough for him. During her lunch hour, Lauren buys a dress she believes will catch Scott’s eye at the Christmas Eve party. She can’t decide on what to buy her sister, but she does manage to purchase a video of “Miracle on 34th Street” for Fred. She drops these off at home, where a young man rings her doorbell and announces that he’s there to give her a present. Despite his “Save the Whales” T-shirt, he insists he’s the Spirit of Christmas Present. Not present as in “now”, but present as in “gift.” Her sister channeled him from the Astral Plane to get Lauren whatever she wants. He tells her she can call him Chris for short.
I once had a pastor who complained, during his sermon, that so many people revealed their ignorance of his likes and dislikes through the gifts they gave him. Whether or not it is possible to channel a spirit from the Astral Plane to get someone the exact present he or she wants, buying or making gifts for others takes up valuable time in our busy schedules. Rather than complaining to others how little someone knows “the real you,” perhaps we should feel honored that the person took the time to secure a gift for us. After all, they didn’t have to expend any effort on our behalf.
Besides, who wouldn’t want to give “the perfect gift” to a friend who models true humility, and who never ceases to be thankful for all the kindnesses he or she receives.
Miracle and Other Christmas Stories by Connie Willis, is available from Bantam Books.
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