Christmas Spirit

I recently watched a viral video (because usually videos have to go viral before I notice them...) on West Jet's recent "Christmas Miracle" Publicity Stunt. Here it is, if you haven't seen it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIEIvi2MuEk

I cried.

I showed it to my husband who said, "So what? It was a publicity stunt. Now you only want to fly West Jet?" I said, "No! You Big SCROOGE!" And stormed out of the room in a huff. It was an exchange like that mean kid who tells you Santa isn't real and you defend him because though you've had your suspicions... This kid is being mean and you don't want to lose the Christmas Spirit. :P

Yes, I know West Jet's video was all a big publicity stunt. But it was amazing. It was amazing to me, because the employees clearly had fun, the passengers' reactions were genuine, and it is something they will never forget - the Giving Spirit. West Jet could have done a million other things that get viral videos... have some employee streak across the tarmac with "West Jet" tattooed on their back. Set a couch on fire and throw it out of an airplane -- oh, wait, that was MSU fans..(:P) Hand out a couple free airline tickets...

There were lots of things they could have done, but they asked what folks wanted and did their best to supply it to surprise their very grateful and happy customers.

Aside from the enthusiastic giving and excited faces of the employees... there was the genuine gratefulness of the passengers! Even the guy who got socks and underwear was thrilled! I was just telling my husband we need to teach our kids gratefulness... being the lovingly spoiled grandchildren, they usually get whatever they ask for, but if we don't teach them gratefulness, we will have what so many parents our age find on their hands... spoiled brats who get and do not give, who want, but do not need. Sounds even like many adults...

At Christmas, we remember Baby Jesus as our Heavenly Christmas gift - the gift of God's own Son... but did you realize... He was laid in a manger -- a feeding trough? We were hungry! Not a physical hunger, but that hunger in our soul who yearns for God. The Christmas Spirit is so much more fulfilling and something miraculous when it goes beyond shopping, decorating, caroling... and moves to GIVING. Giving of oneself. Giving to meet another's need.

Those people on that plane... business people, family people... children who will one day grow up and will always remember this random, well executed "Christmas miracle" may find themselves in a position of giving someday. Maybe someone watching will be inspired as well.

I know I am!!!