Pete Winn writes in "Citizen Link Update":

I was at the post office in the last days before Christmas. After helping me conduct my lengthy business, the pleasant, helpful postal clerk uttered what is surely her standard line: "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

I quipped, "Can you help me pay for Christmas?"

Without missing a beat, she replied, "He already paid for it."

I was stunned. Pleased, surprised, a tad embarrassed—a strange mix of emotions. But most of all, stunned. I murmured something profound in response—like, "He certainly did"—and left.

I know the Postal Service isn't an arm of the government anymore, but still—it was the last thing I expected. A simple phrase had put everything in perspective.