Inspired by the song.
Christmas Shoes
I was standing in line at the store on Christmas Eve night, doing some last-minute shopping for my family. The air outside was cold, and the snow was blowing gently. Chorus of the Bells was playing over a speaker system, but my mind was occupied on getting home in time to see my kids before they went to bed.
"Excuse me," said a little voice, that of a little girl. Her voice was sweet, timid, gentle.
I looked down, and saw her. She had long brown hair, loving eyes. "Yes," I replied.
The girl held up a pair of shoes. They couldn't have cost more than twenty dollars, but they were delicately made, decorative. At first I didn't understand: People used to make fun of me because I was so slow on the uptake, unsuspecting, but who says that's really a bad thing?
"Sir," the girl continued. "I wanna buy these shoes...for my mommy. She's been really sick."
I felt my heart sink a little.
"I know she'll like these more than anything else," the girl said. "And I want her to look good...if she meets the Lord tonight. But I don't have much money left."
I thought for a second, my jaw open. "...Alright," I finally said, reaching into my pocket. "How much do you need, Miss..."
"Carly," she answered. "Carly Shay. And...I need about five dollars, please." It seemed like she was ashamed to ask me for money.
"Here," I said, pulling out a ten dollar bill. "Get your mother a blanket."
"Thank you, sir," replied the girl, gently taking the paper. "I'll remember you when I'm praying for Mommy."
I felt a smile I couldn't hold back come onto my face. My heart was warm, the warmest it'd been for some time. "Thank you," I said.
"Merry Christmas," Carly replied.
"Merry Christmas," I replied, my voice more gentle than it usually was.
After the girl left, her words rang in my head: I want her to look good if she meets the Lord tonight. I looked up to the sky, and prayed. It'd been so long since I really prayed, but it felt right. "Let them all be alright," I begged, not speaking above a whisper.
Dedicated to every family.
For my family, friends, and all the people around the world I do and don't know. Merry Christmas, everyone.
Happy birthday, Father in Heaven.