I was going through a divorce and my son was 4. It was our first Christmas Eve alone to begin new traditions....and I did not know what or how to do that . My sitter was with us and we were going out to look at Christmas lights and she said with all the enthusiasm of a 14 year old not knowing anything but happiness "Lets go to the Wa Toy for Chinese Food! " Matthew agreed and I won't lie I though the place was a dump - it's not somewhere I would ever have set my foot into -and I was kinda sad and depressed but went in for them. We ordered at least $50 worth of food and as the kids smiled and had fun I gloomily looked around the restaurant - that was tired and the tinsel and bulbs hanging across the back wall and thought how did my life become Chinese food at the Wa Toy on Christmas Eve?
I asked the waiter for our bill when it was time to leave and he smiled and said Merry Christmas - someone in the restaurant paid for your bill. I looked around in disbelief - I recognized no one - not a soul - and I was shocked and humbled.....and I was embarrassed because I was feeling sorry for myself - never has that happened to me in my life - someone buying my family dinner nor ever again......from that year forward I have made my Christmas Eve tradition and Christmas season all about giving back to someone who least expects it - large bonus tip - elderly person turning 90 and giving them 90 dollars for their birthday - and I will never forget how that Christmas Eve angel person made me feel and how it changed the direction for my Christmas from that night forward! Thank you !
Submitted by Anonymous
We've all had people in our lives who have made a positive impact on us. A parent or grandparent, a sibling who was there for us, or maybe even just a guy who shines shoes for a living? Whoever they are, tell us their story so they can inspire us even more.
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