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Our Christmas Tree and an Act of Kindness

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty of California, Inc. CA DRE #01490977

A Christmas Tree Act of Kindness

 

This is my 1st entry for the December Kindness Challenge co-hosted by Kathleen Daniels and Dr. Paula McDonald.

 

Kindness is around us everywhere…we just have to watch for it happening, or for the opportunity for us to be kind to someone. The possibilities are endless.

 

We have been buying our Christmas trees at The Home Depot in Oceanside for the last several years. The quality is pretty good as are the prices, and buying our 2023 tree was on the list of To Dos this week. Yesterday was the day.

 

We spent some time picking out the tree we wanted – it’s always a tough choice getting just the right tree, but we are not yet ready to do the artificial tree although kids and grandkids will not be visiting us this year. Once we found the right tree I took it to the fellow who was taking care of trimming the tree trunks and adding the netting to make them more transportable.

 

He added my initials to the label on the tree and set the tree aside, and off I went to pay for it.

 

Once I had paid I got the car ready to load the tree in the back (we have a small car with a hatch back, perfect for a tree with the trunk closed and the rear seat backs down).

 

I was watching the fellow who was very busy taking care of everyone’s trees – trimming the trunks and adding the netting to each. Everyone I saw was picking up their tree and carting it to their car personally.

 

I got the car ready and drove over to the check out area so I wouldn’t have to walk too far with the tree – I have chronic back issues and my back was really acting up so walking only a short distance with the tree would be a real plus.

 

dollar signsI asked the check out guy if he had finished with our tree but it was yet to be trimmed (he was really busy!). He got it right away and took care of the trunk and netting. Without hesitation he asked if he could put it in my car for me (I had not asked for this).

 

It was such a simple gesture to happily agree to. I handed him a tip, which prompted a wonderful smile, and we both wished each other Merry Christmas.  It was a simple kindness on his part that took no time at all. And it was most appreciated.

 

A simple thank you to him for his help no doubt would have been adequate, but it felt good to share a tip for his assistance.

Posted by

Jeff Dowler, CRS
Certified Residential Specialist / Realtor®


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Show All Comments Sort:
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Aura Alex 

I suspect we all appreciate small gestures of kindness and compassion, especially when they just happen and aren't expected. There are plenty of opportunities for us to make these gestures, too. Some, more than others, have a mindset of being kind all the time.

Jeff 

Dec 03, 2023 10:58 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Brian England 

I'm glad you are now aware of the December Challenge - I look forward to reading your kindness post!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Jeff

Dec 03, 2023 11:01 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Kat Palmiotti 

I suspect so. It felt like the right thing to do.

Jeff

Dec 03, 2023 11:48 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thank you for saying so, Bill Salvatore - East Valley 

I enjoyed sharing the experience.

Jeff

Dec 03, 2023 11:49 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

You're so right George Souto 

The small gestures of kindness can be very meaningful.

Jeff

Dec 03, 2023 11:52 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Wayne Martin 

That's often the case about acts of kindness - it's a beautiful thing.

Thank you!

Enjoy what's left of your weekend!

Jeff

Dec 03, 2023 12:55 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Jeff Dowler, CRS -  This is such a busy time and it shows how service oriented your Home Depot personnel are.  It was an act of kindness and nice gesture to take the tree to your car.  Of course you reciprocated.  

Dec 03, 2023 04:58 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Nina Hollander, Broker 

What a nice compliment about this simple gesture. Thank you!

Jeff

Dec 03, 2023 04:58 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Sheri Sperry - MCNE® 

It IS a busy time and simple thoughtful gestures are always appreciated. It certainly left me with  very positive impression!

Jeff

Dec 03, 2023 05:01 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Jeff Dowler, CRS  I remember the days we used to get our fresh trees in Boston.... and then here in LA.... then one day we had Mr Bond our cat who hugged the tree and knocked it down.... since then going on about 15 years we have a horizontal Christmas tree:) not fresh and not standing tall.... just thought I share it with you and indeed we have one more thing in common a bad back:) so I would have tipped him well too, Endre

Dec 03, 2023 10:29 PM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

As crazy busy as he was he still took the time to offer his help and put the tree in the back of the car for you.  Such a small simple gesture yet it made a big difference in your day Jeff Dowler, CRS 

Thank you for this entry to the December challenge. 

Dec 04, 2023 07:24 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Endre Barath, Jr. 

We had a cat take down a tree years ago but never adopted the horizontal tree idea. We'll see what happens with our new cat, Fiona, this year!

Sorry to hear about your back! It's not fun, is it?!

Jeff

Dec 04, 2023 09:40 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist 

His small bit of help meant a great deal and made my day.

Jeff

Dec 04, 2023 09:42 PM
Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho
Sandpoint Realty LLC - Sandpoint, ID
North Idaho Real Estate - 208-255.6227

Sincere 'thank you's' , no matter the form they come in are always appreciated.  m

Dec 05, 2023 07:44 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thanks for stopping by Mark Don McInnes, Sandpoint-Idaho. Totally agree with you...the more the better.

Jeff

Dec 05, 2023 09:47 AM
Patricia Feager
Flower Mound, TX

Jeff Dowler, CRS - What a nice Christmas story with a happy ending. As we all know (but often forget) a little goes a long way. We really do need to be more thoughtful and kind. Christmas affords us to do that in the smallest way that means so much, and then good habits make positive changes. 

P.S. I empathize with you. I have spinal issues and it makes it hard because I am not the type of person would ask for help. 

Dec 06, 2023 06:28 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® CRS,ABR,PSA,RCS-D, CFSP
Big Block LPT Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
Serving Coastal San Diego, Veteran's & Seniors

Sounds like a great experience was had by all. Great share Jeff Dowler, CRS 

Dec 09, 2023 01:35 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP 

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it. It WAS a very nice experience. But of course simple acts of kindness are appropriate all year round, both giving and receiving.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Jeff

Dec 09, 2023 03:48 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Thank you Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets 

No doubt he appreciated the thank you and the tip. I know I certainly was thankful for the kindness.

Jeff

Dec 09, 2023 03:49 PM
Dr. Paula McDonald
Beam & Branch Realty - Granbury, TX
Granbury, TX 936-203-0279

Chronic back issues are nothing to ignore. How wonderful that this man assisted you. A true, act of kindness.

Jan 02, 2024 07:15 AM