The Librarians And the Advent List

Dec 10

"Wow, the parking lot was way busier than I expected," Cassandra remarked to Stone as they finally got into the mall.

"It's a Saturday during Christmas, Cass," Stone grumbled. "Why are we here?"

"To see Santa!"

"What?" Stone's face was priceless as he peered at her. "You do realize we're in our 30s right?"

"Yeah? So?" Cassandra started to pout and Stone rolled his eyes. He took her elbow and pulled her over to the railing. They'd come in on one of the upper floors of the mall and from there they could barely make out where Santa Claus was. But they certainly could see the line.

"You wanna stand in that long line to take two spots away from some little kids whose Momma has been standing there with them for hours?"

"Oh," Cassandra's face fell. He had a point.

"Sides," he lowered his voice to a whisper. "We know the real Santa and we just saw him."

"Yeah, I guess you're right." Cassandra sounded downcast. "I guess I should have told you why we were coming before I had you drive us all the way out here."

Stone bit his lip looking at her, then he looked over the railing at the line again. But something else caught his eye.

"I've got an idea, c'mon." Without actually thinking about it, he grabbed her hand and tugged her forward.

Since they were headed toward the Santa, she decided to go along with it and followed along, Stone dropping her hand pretty quickly as he'd realized what he'd done.

But he was walking past the line for Santa and she stopped briefly. "Jacob?"

"Just . . .trust me, you'll like this." He put his hand on the small of her back to propel her forward. A little way past the Santa Claus was a large mall Christmas tree. But instead of traditional ornaments, it was covered in paper angels. Next to it was a large bin that was starting to be filled with gifts.

"Oh!" Cassandra's eyes widened as she realized what he'd found. "A giving tree!"

"Yeah," Jacob gave her a grin. "How about instead of seeing Santa, you and me play Santa for a couple kids?"

Both of the ornaments they pulled had a request for a book or educational toy along with the child's wish underneath it. There was a science store and bookstore in the mall and they decided to hit those. Cassandra's child was obviously still in the Frozenmania and Jacob's kid was into Star Wars so they figured they could find something for both at the Disney Store.

The mall was crowded and Stone could have chosen to stay grumpy. But there was something about Cassandra's enthusiasm and the idea of spreading cheer to two kids that really needed some that lifted Jacob's spirits. And after they returned with their gifts to the bin, he suggested some hot chocolate.

And if she linked arms with him as they walked out afterwards? He didn't mind at all.