Santa's Little Helper
It is no secret that Christmas is the best holiday of the year. It is not an opinion, no one else has a different favorite holiday, Christmas trumps every other day. Unless you're Shawn Hunter. Or Morgan Matthews.
Mr. Feeney is reading from "A Christmas Carol," and all seems to be going well and bright. However, Shawn's dad lost his job and he is not looking forward to Christmas this year, despite the fact that he is talking so highly of all the presents he hopes to receive. Corey finds out about the misfortune of the Hunter clan, and selflessly decides to give one of his presents, a new basketball, to Shawn for Christmas. This further angers Shawn, as he does not want to be seen as a charity case, and confuses Corey. He doesn't understand why Shawn does not appreciate the gift he sacrificed. Feeney, in all of his wisdom, let's Corey in on the secret of charity: not expecting anything in return (even a thank you!).
Minkus, the class know-it-all and royal pain, is collecting money for Mr. Feeney's gift, demanding five dollars from everyone in the class. Shawn, who obviously can't afford it, passes up his opportunity to be put on the card. Corey uses this as an opportunity to do something for Shawn that does not require a reward. Claiming that he owed Shawn money, he pays Shawn's portion and gets his name on the card. Shawn has no idea until his name is read from the list by Mr. Feeney in his thanks for his special gift.
While I seemed to sympethize with Shawn, the real person I would like to focus on is Corey. How many times am I giving? Sure, I may think more of giving around Christmas time, but how often am I thinking of ways to give to those who care about me in appreciation for what they have done? Who do I know in a tough situation, who is being too prideful to ask for help? When I give, do I seek out a thank you, or am I satisfied that I gave?
Morgan is meanwhile dealing with the fact that a mall Santa has a heart attack and feels like it's her fault. She feels at her whit's end, until a special Santa (looking a whole lot like Mr. Feeney) comes and pays her a special visit.
I wish I had Mr. Feeney as a neighbor.
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