Countdown to Christmas 2025…Day 19
I have told this one before, but it was so long ago and it’s a favorite so I am sharing it again.
The tale for today goes way back to before we even had grandchildren. I know this because Rachel and Zach were still living in the Chicago area as he finished school.
On a Christmas shopping day with my friend Lisa that year, we entered the big Macy’s department store in another city. As we walked by some racks of coats I saw this fluffy, soft black coat and slipped it on.
It was like being transformed into a life size teddy bear and I loved it.
I hung it back up and she asked me why I didn’t just get it. She said it was me and she was so right.
I must have been feeling particularly responsible that day and said I didn’t need to be buying myself a new coat when I was supposed to be shopping for others. See how well I learned that lesson from my mom?
I also pointed out that I didn’t need a coat and if I did, it certainly wasn’t a fancy one like this.
We went on with our day and our shopping and I never gave the coat another thought.
Fast forward to Christmas morning when Russ brings out this huge box for me to open. I couldn’t imagine what it was.
As I unfolded the tissue paper, I stared at this same coat as my mind spun. How on earth was that luxury item now folded up in a box on my lap? How could he have known when I never even mentioned trying it on?
Russ and Rachel began to unfold the story as I wrapped myself up in the satiny lining and soft faux fur.
It seems my friend Lisa informed my husband that he needed to purchase this coat for me. There must have been enough time passed when he decided to get it that the store in our area was sold out.
He called on our eldest child to find it for him in the big city.
According to Rachel she was told to find a black furry coat with a hood from Macy’s.
She took the task to heart and while I can’t remember the details, I do remember the laughter as she shared the yarn. She had some conversations with Lisa, with her dad and with the folks at Macy’s tracking it down.
It is still a favorite of mine. I feel excessive every time I put it on as it is definitely not like my thermal coats that I walk and run errands in all winter. It is warm, I will say that, but it is coat reserved for dressing up.
Although sometimes I just wear it for the fun of it…
I would love it anyway, but treasure it so much more for the love and effort of my friend and family to get it to me under the tree that year. It means so much more than if I had purchased it for myself.
So if you see what appears to be a black bear walking across a parking lot, just know…I am not trying to be extra fancy…I am just enjoying being warmed by the soft coat and the afterglow of the memory of this special gift.