My grocery cart was full.

It was mid-December and I was excited. Our family would soon be together again! I’d been dreaming of a magical, sugar-plum Christmas, so I’d filled my cart with everything I’d need to make my kids’ favorite recipes and pushed it into the checkout lane. As the teenage boy behind the register scanned my things, we shared a nice laugh about the frenzy of the season. “It’s got to be a little hectic, right?” he said, squatting to load a couple 12-packs of soda onto the bottom tray of my cart. “Not that I’m complaining. It wouldn’t be Christmas without all the noise and running around. The craziness is part of the fun.”

We wished each other a Merry Christmas, I leaned into my heavy cart and pushed it out the door.

It was freezing outside–not that I was complaining. It wouldn’t be Christmas without Jack Frost nipping at my nose! Cars in both directions stopped to let me cross.

I hit a little bump and winced. What made that ripping noise? And now, rattling?

I glanced down as TWELVE CANS OF FRESCA ROLLED AWAY FROM ME IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS!

I lunged for a can… AND MY CART LEFT WITHOUT ME!

THIS WAS NOT THE NOISY RUNNING AROUND CRAZY FUN I NEEDED RIGHT NOW!

WHEN, WHAT TO MY WONDERING EYES SHOULD APPEAR…BUT SHOPPERS FROM ALL OVER THE PARKING LOT, RACING OVER TO HELP ME! My grapefruit soda saviors!

As I caught up with my cart, they jogged across lanes! They stuck out their feet! They crawled under cars!

No can was left behind!

They patted each other on the back and laughed, raising their arms in victory.

“I’d be careful opening these if I were you,” huffed a white-headed lady, catching her breath.

“NO! Don’t open them yourself!” cackled a twenty-something. “Save ’em for just the right person!”

I wanted to hug those wonderful people, but I didn’t want to freak them out. So I gushed lots of thank-yous, put the sodas in my bag, and wished them a Merry Christmas. As soon as I got home, I took a picture of the cans so I wouldn’t forget.

It feels silly to do much navel-gazing about that day. I mean, The Great Can Escape wasn’t even as tragic as a cup of spilled milk. But it’s nearly mid-January and I’m still thinking about it so it must mean something. Here’s what I make of it: there’s not much out there that’s more magical than watching a bunch of strangers instantly come together to help you!

I’m not big on making resolutions, but as I push my cart into 2026, I want to keep my eyes open for chances to team up with others to play Save the Old Lady With the Runaway Cart! Or Save the Mom or Save the Man –or the kid or whoever needs saving. Life is hard enough, especially right now. No matter who we are, we sure do need each other.

If you’re thirsty for something hopeful, maybe this little sip will refresh you!

Oh, and if you ever stop by and I offer you a Fresca, don’t take offense. I drank up every renegade can and enjoyed every bubble. Yours will be safe.

Happy New Year, friends!