Late in the year in 2000, I received a package at home from Chapters, the largest Canadian bookstore. Chapters also is a large Internet site with books, audio and video. A week before, I’d ordered 2 books and a video (Hook) as Christmas presents, so the box was expected.
As I took the box downstairs the next morning, I decided to open it, just in case there was something wrong or missing. To my surprise, it contained seven videotapes, with Hook among them. My first thought was that my boys had pitched in and bought us one big Christmas present, and with about $20-25 US each, it could buy seven videos. Since it contained my wife’s favorite movie, Dr. Zhivago and one of two movies that always makes me cry (Mr. Holland’s Opus, the other being Field of Dreams) along with Hook and a bunch of appropriate cartoon movies, I assumed a knowledgeable person carefully selected them.
The others were the Grinch, Murder by Death, Land Before Time VII and Joseph and his Coat or something, also a cartoon. I figured all of my sons had purchased them for everyone, and that Chapters had failed to include the card, as they are prone to make mistakes. But, just in case this was wrong, and a generous son had done this himself, I decided not to email all and make someone feel bad. So, I decided to call the Internet store to see what happened.
After 10 minutes on hold (thank God for speakerphones) I spoke to a guy who assured me this was my partial order, and that they had shipped Hook.
He laughed about my predicament, informed the warehouse of their error in overshipping and wished me a Merry Christmas. He said it’s up to them to take care of it.
As I took the box downstairs the next morning, I decided to open it, just in case there was something wrong or missing. To my surprise, it contained seven videotapes, with Hook among them. My first thought was that my boys had pitched in and bought us one big Christmas present, and with about $20-25 US each, it could buy seven videos. Since it contained my wife’s favorite movie, Dr. Zhivago and one of two movies that always makes me cry (Mr. Holland’s Opus, the other being Field of Dreams) along with Hook and a bunch of appropriate cartoon movies, I assumed a knowledgeable person carefully selected them.
The others were the Grinch, Murder by Death, Land Before Time VII and Joseph and his Coat or something, also a cartoon. I figured all of my sons had purchased them for everyone, and that Chapters had failed to include the card, as they are prone to make mistakes. But, just in case this was wrong, and a generous son had done this himself, I decided not to email all and make someone feel bad. So, I decided to call the Internet store to see what happened.
After 10 minutes on hold (thank God for speakerphones) I spoke to a guy who assured me this was my partial order, and that they had shipped Hook.
He laughed about my predicament, informed the warehouse of their error in overshipping and wished me a Merry Christmas. He said it’s up to them to take care of it.
They, of course, ignored the response, and that it would cost more to send UPS or someone to pick it all up than it is worth. Who knows?
I was honest, and perhaps I’ve lived in Canada too long so I respond without larceny in my heart. However, by Christmas, this was all mine.
Is this a Christmas Story? I kind of doubt it.
I was honest, and perhaps I’ve lived in Canada too long so I respond without larceny in my heart. However, by Christmas, this was all mine.
Is this a Christmas Story? I kind of doubt it.
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