Christmas Spirit is Alive at Trancas Nursery: Thanks Carlos!

I went to Krystys for breakfast this morning and on the way back to the parking lot I noticed that there were some attractive Xmas trees standing proudly at the Trancas Nursery. I didn't expect to see such nice trees. I walked in for a closer look and took note. It is way later than usual for our family to purchase a tree. Usually we have it before December but, this year has been a little different for a few reasons. I wanted to buy it on the spot but I know that my daughter would never forgive me if I bought a tree without her consent. I noticed that the nursery closed at 5 and I carried on with my day. I had to make a trip to Westlake and I planned on coming back down to buy the tree before 5 (if I could get approval from aforementioned daughter).

I came back a little later than usual but I arrived at the nursery at 4:30 with 30 minutes to spare. I had the permission from Sydney and now it was time to bring a tree home. But, as I got out of my car I saw the "Closed" sign on the gate. I went around back and called out..."hello". I finally heard a man respond and emerge from the back. I didn't know it at that the time but the man's name was Carlos. I told him of my situation and my rush to get here before the posted closing time. I didn't know if he could help me as the person in charge had to leave early for some reason. He said, "sure, go pick one you like". I found the tree I had wanted that hadn't moved from where I had seen it this morning. I told Carlos that I wanted this one and he asked me if I had a car or truck. He saw my SUV and said, "where do you live? I can put it in my truck and follow you home". Wow...is this guy for real? He then asked how I wanted to pay for it....I said "Amex". He said, "you can pay tomorrow. I'm not trained to take cards. I trust you." Again, is this guy for real?

He followed me home and as he put the tree in front of my house I ran inside to get a tip and then I asked him if I could take a photo of him with the tree. He indulged me. He said he had been in malibu for 30 years and he likes to help out whenever he can. I shook his hand and told him that he made my day and that he had a special gift, a rare gift.

It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

Thanks Carlos! This is just what I needed, especially at Christmas.