"The Spirit of Christmas"

I remember one Christmas... I think I was 9 or 10 (1995-1996) & I asked my mom what the REAL deal with Santa Claus was.
After  first explaining to me how not everyone celebrates Christmas (introducing Hannukah, Kwanza, etc) and how not everyone calls him 'Santa Claus' (introducing Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Sinterklaas, etc) my mum went on to explain that the season is more about 'the Christmas spirit' than Santa. I didn't exactly get what she meant, but our talk satisfied my curiosity enough for the time being.

That night my mum took me to McDonalds for supper, since my dad was 'working late'.
We dined-in and I'm sure I had a Happy Meal.
Just as I finished, my mum gave me 5$ and told me to go back up to the counter and to order a hamburger, fries & a coffee (with cream and sugar on the side). I remember how excited I was at this chance to play 'grown up'.
After getting the meal 'to-go' I ran back to the table and asked if this food was for daddy, my mum said 'No' with a smile, and this confused me. I asked her if she was still hungry, and if it was for her? She said 'No' again, then offering me her hand to go out to the car.
Once we got there, we drove out of the parking space and stopped by a median.... the Goodfellows were out, handing out papers to raise money towards helping families in need around Christmas time. My mum pointed over to a man that was bundled from head to toe, standing by the crosswalk handing out papers in exchange for coin; she told me to bring it to him, and to be sure to say 'Merry Christmas!'
I remember how nervous I was walking over to this man. I remember the wind blowing so cold on my face.
I got to him and he looked at me, almost surprised. I handed him the bag & the coffee and said 'Merry Christmas!!'
I'll never forget the feeling that washed over me... a warm and fuzzy tingle, almost like my entire body went to sleep for a couple of seconds.
The good fellow gave me a huge smile and a pat on the arm; he reached into his pocket and handed me a candy cane along with a paper before wishing me a Merry Christmas.
I hurried back to the car, still feeling a little wobbly with joy.
Once I got into the car, I asked my mum "What was that?"
My mum replied, "The spirit of Christmas."

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I can't wait to be able to do this with my kids.
I might have been able to pull it off this year with the little man, but he probably would have run off and eaten the fries himself! (;

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Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays.