I don't care what progressives say – men and women are different.

Upon entering a store, I have witnessed my wife Mary shift into a "shopping zone," picking up, studying, and reading items (after finding English) at a leisurely pace.  I just want to find what I need as quickly as possible and get out of the store.  Therefore, I dropped Mary off at Big Lots!  I thought I would kill time strolling through the Heart and Home Resale Store a few doors away.

Two unique reindeer Christmas baskets caught my eye.  I got in line as the elderly store clerk was checking out a 30-something mom.  The mom apologized to me for her large pile of toddler toys and clothing.  I replied, "No problem.  I am fine."

The elderly clerk glanced at my baskets and said, "They are beautiful."  I said the last thing I need is more Christmas stuff, but I really like these baskets.

The elderly clerk said she did a major scale-down of her Christmas decorations last year.  She said it brought a tear to her eye.  She enjoyed Christmases with her family, and before she knew it, everyone was gone.  He husband passed, and her daughter never married.  She has no grandkids.  She now sets up a twelve-inch tabletop Christmas tree.

I told the young mom that what the clerk was telling her is to enjoy these years with her husband and kids to the max.  With a smile, the young mom replied, "I know."  The elderly clerk said, "Yes, that is exactly what I am saying."

After the young mom left, I told the elderly clerk, "I am sure God will provide kids for you to be a grandmom."  She said, "He has.  My neighbors have two beautiful children."  Our pleasant exchange ended with the elderly clerk wishing me a Merry Christmas.  I wished her the same.

Folks, the older I get, the more I realize how important it is to be thankful to God and truly enjoy every good thing in your life – a great meal with friends and loved ones, good health, relationships, and so on.

Merry Christmas, and a happy new year.  Happy birthday, Jesus!

Lloyd Marcus, The Unhyphenated American; Chairman: The Conservative Campaign Committee; http://www.lloydmarcus.com/