Dear Editor,
Arriving at the local Starbucks at 9:12 AM Christmas Day, I was surprised to see the store filled with customers cued up waiting for their drink and food orders to be completed.
I noticed a number of seats available, but I found the command position on the sofa chair in the corner upfront, facing all the action, like sitting in the “catbird seat.” This allowed me to relax, read, and take in the scene – while staying out of the unfolding tumult.
Two fathers sat down across from me, one with two kids in arms, all three wearing Christmas pajamas. The other father protectively clutched his baby. Both appeared to be giving their wives time to relax after what must have been a horrifically busy buildup to this Christmas holiday.
All patrons were very patient. One fellow mentioned to me that he was picking up a mobile order and bringing it home for breakfast. He had waited through breakfast and certainly through brunch and then, as he was leaving, he informed me that lunch will be waiting for him when he got home.
I noticed a few devotees deciding whether to cross the threshold and enter the fray.
A thirty-something woman and I connected eyes. Her arms were filled with fancy drink containers for purchase. While flashing a big smile and a glorious laugh, she said to me and the crowd, “What is going on?” We laughed and smiled together at our joint amazement. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, a well-dressed, sophisticated Asian woman walked in with a baby strapped to her chest, apparently picking up some gifts for a party. Another big smile of joy washed over me … simply delightful.
Then I heard a list of about nine names being called out by one of the baristas, letting them know their orders were ready for pickup, but no one stepped forward to claim them. Finally, there was an opening in the crowd and I noticed, from my perch, what looked like about 30 orders…tall, grande, venti, cold and hot beverages, bakery bags and handled bags all patiently waiting to be lovingly claimed.
The afternoon had arrived and I was drawn to the Asian woman from earlier, with her beautiful cherubic baby. She, as well as the others, had been waiting for at least 45 minutes and some upwards of an hour and a half. I told her how much joy she brought me, with her smile and beautiful baby. And at that moment her child started to kick his feet and giggle. My goodness, those cheeks! Sensing the woman being a bit reserved, I wished her well and she wished me a Merry Christmas.
This scene has taken me back to my Pymatuning State Park days, where at the lake’s spillway, the carp would collect. As tourists, we would buy loaves of bread and feed the fish. And like here, at Starbucks, a feeding frenzy would ensue.
Could I have asked for a more enjoyable interesting Christmas morning?
Howard Yasgur
Cincinnati