An Embarrassment of Riches

Have you ever noticed that when you start feeling really sorry for yourself, the Universe has a way of humbling you?

Yesterday was the Christmas party we have every year at the facility for our staff. We have a fancy one for all of the San Diego area facilities earlier in the month. And then we put on our own little homespun version closer to Christmas.

Usually we do a potluck but this year the boss had a little extra in the kitty and it was more of a catered affair.

We do a voluntary secret santa gift exchange. I got one of those nifty little CD players with head phones. But that wasn't all. From the beginning of the day until the end, there was an amazing parade of wrapped packages from my office mail box, to my desk and everywhere in between. For a couple of hours there, each time I left my office, I returned with at least one gift in hand.

I was alternately amazed, abashed, and speechless. Although I do recognize that I am a boss to many, I never gave gifts to bosses I didn't like. And a fair number of them came from those who do not fall under my supervisory purview.

My office was a jumble of santas, angels, and holly. Red, green, and gold packages and gift bags on the floor, the desk, and the work table behind me. I felt like a kid again. It didn't matter what was in the packages. Santa Claus was alive and well.