Holiday Gifts: Paying it forward

I received a call last week from a long time Manchester resident who had moved away several years ago and recently returned to town, after living in southern California during the interim.

"Some things are the same here and some are so different," she commented. "It's been a huge culture change ... moving away from Manchester and then back here after living in such a different kind of place. Plus, we've all lived a kind of sheltered life since the pandemic. So there's been a lot to get used to."

Many, if not most, people celebrate some kind of a holiday at this time of shorter days and changing seasons. My caller doesn't identify with any particular religious tradition, but had always purchased a tree from the Men's Club in years past. So, last Sunday, she went out to the hardware and purchased a stand, and then headed down the hill to find a Christmas tree at the Men's Club tree sale.

"There was a family up there, taking photos and I was just wandering around," she recalled. "I took a long time and then I asked the men if they would deliver it — which, of course, they would. They cut it to my specifications and there was just so much small-town charm; it was snowy, we were all bundled up, and they were so friendly.

"I'm old-fashioned, I still carry a checkbook," she continued. "As I pulled it out to write my check, they told me, 'the family before you paid it forward.' What? My tree was paid for ... they were gone ... you hear about this happening at McDonald's, but a Christmas tree? It was such an unexpected surprise. I still have no idea who it was; I was so struck with the holiday spirit."

With all of the sad news and contention going on in our world, my caller said she wanted to share such a really great story of some true kindness.

"I wrote out my check anyway, and told them to pay it forward to the next family who came for their tree."

The young man from the Men's Club who drove the tree to her house, noticed that her tree wasn't standing properly by the garage and had fallen over. So he got out of the truck and righted the tree — a small gesture, but yet another kindness that my caller truly appreciated.

"I just thought there were so many great things about this story," she said. "Not because I'm anyone special, but just the fact that these people were extending such genuine kindnesses in the holiday spirit.

"Whether we have different religions or no religion at all, we are all kindred," she added. "I felt very fortunate to be able to pay it forward as well. But I really wanted to acknowledge the young family who paid for my tree. I don't know who they were, and I don't need to know. I just wanted to let them know how grateful I am for their gesture."

Sometimes, what we think is a very small thing, can make a huge difference.

"Holiday Gifts" will be a short series in the Mirror during the upcoming season of giving. Do you have a holiday gift story to share? We'd love to hear about it. Call us at 734-328-1386 and tell us your story. 

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.