On Christmas Day one of my landlords treated several of us to a Christmas Dinner at a local restaurant he frequents. I was looking forward to this Christmas treat. I even dressed up for the occasion.

I ordered my mango lemonade, soup, and turkey dinner and patiently waited for my food to arrive. Service was slow (there were 3 or 4 servers) and we all waited a long time for our drinks and food to arrive.

I knew since it was Christmas and there were few servers to take orders, deliver food, and clear tables there was zero reason to be impatient with the servers. I didn’t mind the long wait because I worked in commercial kitchens in a restaurant, neighbourhood pub, and bakery so I knew that sometimes it takes awhile to prep, cook, and plate food if there are lots of orders up.

When our food arrived, my landlord was upset the portions were smaller than normal. I was happy with the smaller portions because I knew I would be able to finish my meal. I enjoyed my hot chicken soup and I thought my turkey dinner was delicious.

However, my landlord, hubby (he worked in restaurants for 30+ years), and housemate weren’t pleased with the delay in service, long wait for the food, etc. Someone complained about the gravy being the wrong kind and someone else complained the turkey was dry. They all found the food too salty, especially the stuffing. I don’t like much salt in my food, but the only thing I found salty was the garlic bread. I found that if I dipped the bread into the gravy, it neutralized the saltiness. I was the only one who enjoyed the meal.

I refused to let all the negativity bombarding me upset me. I was grateful for a warm meal I didn’t have to pay for or help make. I didn’t have to clean the kitchen and dining room after everyone had finished their Christmas dinner either. I savoured every bite of my meal. It’s rare when I get to eat yellow zucchini and mashed potatoes so they were an extra treat.

My housemate was suffering from alcohol and marijuana withdrawal. He wanted to go home right away and appease his addictions. He was impatient and kept banging on the table because he wanted my hubby to finish his dessert and beverage faster, and the servers to bring the take-out order for my other landlord, who stayed home, faster.

I felt sorry for the servers since two people from our table were so demanding. I did my best to help the servers load their trays with dirty dishes and I thanked them for bringing orders, clearing the table, etc. even if the order or dishes weren’t mine.

I wanted to look at Christmas lights after dinner but I knew we were on a truncated timetable. However, the fastest way home was through the city centre where lots of Christmas lights were glowing bright. I happily looked at all the colourful lights at Veterans Memorial Park, along the streets, and the fountain in the middle of the roundabout, on my way home.

When I got home my landlord, who stayed home, asked me, “How was it?”

I replied, “I was the only one who was happy during the entire meal.”

I had a choice to either complain about the food, service, and my companions attitudes, or find silver linings during the meal. I chose the latter.

The Law of Giving states “I promise to be a grateful receiver of the gifts that surround me, pausing often and noticing nature, kindnesses, smiles and compliments; which I gladly receive with a “thank you.” I promise to give hope for joy, affluence, kindness and love, consciously with every encounter, regardless of the brevity.”

I greet today, and all who I encounter, with love and gratitude in my heart.