I kept putting it off, but decided to day just go and get it overwith. I vowed I wouldn't go anywhere near the mall, and thus far have had luck getting the shopping done online or in other stores. It's not that I don't like to shop. And it's not about the crowds, because all the stores are crowded this time of year. I just wish Santa made an appearance in other local places and in those few places he does, that I would have known before the day came and went. Every year I get the kids' picture taken with Santa. Every year I got to the mall and purchase 'their' photo (as is required), even if I want to take my own pictures with my camera that I bring along. This year I decided to exclude Tommy, since he is 8 years old and on the fence about the whole believing thing anyway.
So I packed up the three younger boys and before heading to the mall, stopped to get coffee and munchkins for them. We arrived there mid-morning, when I was hopeful and then relieved to find it not so busy. Even Santa only had one visitor when we arrived. I put my purse on the counter, covered it with the kids' coats, and we did the 'photo shoot'. I took a few with my camera while the girl working there took some with hers. Santa was very friendly and chatting with the boys and I went over to join in the conversation briefly while we waited for the photo. I moved our belongings to the counter at the 'exit', paid for the cheapest photo I was required to purchase, and we went on our way.
A British woman selling ceramic curling irons in a kiosk stopped me as I made an attempt to leave as quickly as we arrived, noting how proud I'd be to be there less than 30 minutes. We were near the carousel, and Jeffrey was entertained watching that and eating his M&Ms Santa gave him, while Joey and Christopher played in the kids' area nearby. I checked out the product, got a brief demo, all the while watchful of where each child was. I went to pull out my wallet and immediately noticed the slot where my credit card takes its space was empty.
I tried to recall when I saw it last, and was pretty sure it was there when I got the coffee and donuts earlier. Was it there when I paid for the picture? I couldn't remember. I didn't go anywhere yesterday and the last time I used it was Monday night to get a credit on some items I returned at Walmart.
I gathered up the boys and rushed home, even exceeded the speed limit because I was certain it was stolen while we were visiting with Santa. I didn't want the thief to have a chance to use my card. Thankfully, I beat him or her to it and got the card canceled in time. And MBNA was nice enough to rush a new card to me to arrive tomorrow. Of course, they don't want me not to have the opportunity to charge it up!
So in the spirit of Christmas, may yours be joyful and may you enjoy your shopping sprees and the crowds and the parking hassles and find the silver lining in all of it. But don't put your things down or turn your back for a second. The brazen thieves will take advantage of any opportunity they get to stoop so low and steal, even right under Santa's nose! I did call the mall security office to report the theft and ask them to let Santa and his crew know. So Merry Christmas, thief who stole my card! And I'm not sorry that you can't fulfill your dream and get all those things on your list at my expense!
Hey--You sound like a wonderful person. I enjoyed your comments about the man with the sick wife and I like the way you dealt with the theft of your credit card. Your kids are lucky to have you. Your husband is too. I hope they realize it. Happy hoilidays!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! You made my day. I hope your holidays are wonderful also. By the way, my friend who took that call from the man with the sick wife was inspired by the story and donated $100 to the Make A Wish Foundation. She's a great friend and generous like that. I hope her husband and kids realize how lucky they are to have her, too.
ReplyDelete