They come in cute Daiso transparent bags, each fronted by a Santa Claus on a red Christmas wreath. They are selectively packed with Cheezels, Twisties, Andes, Palmer, Toblerone chocolates and some others. Thirty of them. I have meant to give them away to friends and colleagues.
After being a day or two of "Ms Santarina", I am now left with just a few packs to be given out. This year, I have decided to do it a little different, I have allocated some for the auntie at YAMI yogurt, the receptionists, an administrative uncle and two cleaners in the office. The reactions from them varied but it pleased me watching the joy I witnessed on their faces. I wanted to describe it to you, because it is just so different from the ones I get from my colleagues.
Few hours ago, my Facebook status wrote,"Giving the cleaner a goodie pack is more satisfying than giving them to my colleagues. Those are the people who need to feel appreciated." Isn't it true? My mum once worked as a cleaner, and I really detest people who tend to not show them any respect.
So I shall describe the reactions from the few people I mentioned above.
#1 - New receptionist
She has been here for a couple of weeks, thus very new and still warming up to the place. When I passed a goodie pack to her, she seemed really surprised and thanked me immediately. Later that evening, she actually "opened" the door for me which she usually doesn't (pressing a button to release the security door).
#2 - Administrative uncle
A Malay uncle who has been doing the courier and the ad-hoc stuff in the office. Everyone knows him but few really talks to him. He was standing in for the receptionist for lunch when I presented him with a pack. He seemed very glad too. When I saw him again, he actually gave me a very sincere smile.
#3 - Receptionist
She's a familiar face to all and a couple of times I had some small talks with her. Nothing serious or too personal, just very general things usually. When I handed over her a goodie pack, she reacted like the new receptionist, then sent me another thank you message over the IM.
#4 - Cleaner auntie (office)
This plump auntie loves to eat. She would eat at any chance. I would sometimes give her some food as it's her next pastime in the office besides cleaning. She's a little lazy but overall quite harmless, except for her greed for food. So when I gave her a pack, it seemed like just another of the occasion I gifted her food.
#5 - Cleaner auntie (toilet)
This poor auntie always has this grumpy face. I could understand as my mum was once doing the same job. She once cursed and swore when someone made a mess in the toilet, I would too... I couldn't stand it when I see some inconsiderate bitches leaving the toilet paper all over the floor or left their mess in the cubicle. She always come at specific timings to replenish the stuff in the toilets, so I waited for her the whole afternoon today. She's also often left stranded outside the door when the receptionist is away, she would press the bell but no one came to her aid. Then I would go to her rescue, often enough for her to recognise me. She would smile and thank me. Then I realised, she's very amiable afterall. Today I went in while she was cleaning the toilet, suddenly stood in front of her and gave it to her. She was shocked when I said,"It's for you!" She recovered and said in Mandarin,"For Christmas?" I said,"Yes!" She gave me a smile that brightened my gloomy day; I am so glad she knows she isn't forgotten.
#6 - YAMI yogurt auntie
The auntie I met when I was a teenager. I haven't visited her for a few weeks now, feeling a little guilty and decided to have one for dinner today. It was about closing time, she was more busy than usual, doing her closing. She seems a little hostile than usual, but soon warmed up when I chit-chatted with her. When she handed me my yogurt, I handed her the goodie pack. Her face lit up and said,"So sweet! Thank you!" I have heard this a few times when I gave out the packs, and always have thought it's a very common thing to do. But hearing that, it sounded like I am an alien!
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