The year is 2016. I am at the Short Hills Mall in New Jersey, walking with my husband. He is recovering from a triple bypass, and the doctor wants him to walk; however, it’s too cold to walk outside. They don’t want him out in anything below 35 degrees, and today it’s in the single digits.
As we walked past Santa’s workshop, David suggested it would be a great background for a photo, and he took one. It wasn’t until later that we saw Santa had photo-bombed me. You can even see him planning to do so in the first photo. There’s that look in his eye as the idea comes to him. Cheeky bastard, that Santa. 
Still, it remains one of my favorite photos. David had come through his surgery with flying colors. It was the Christmas season, and Santa surprised me.
It is those moments, those spontaneous moments, that I think about. Those moments when we decide to do something generous, fun, loving, even sassy, that surprise and delight other people. My guess is that we think of doing these things in the moment but rarely follow through, either out of fear of rejection or because we can’t be bothered to make the effort.
As an improviser, I have learned to trust those moments. I know it is in these spontaneous flashes, call it insight, that magic happens on stage. You can’t plan for this. These moments arise spontaneously, and you must be present to recognize and follow through on them.
I think we could all use a little more magic in our lives. That magic happens in moments of connection, those openhearted times when we know our bond runs deep, when we recognize our shared humanity, the beauty in the uniqueness of another person, and the goodness in letting your heart act selflessly and generously.
The second rule of Improv is, “Make Your Partner Look Good.” How can you make everyone you meet today look good? What might delight someone? A smile? A compliment? A spontaneous chat on the subway, at the supermarket, or in the dog park? Maybe you tip your barista generously and unexpectedly. Perhaps you thank a cop or a bus driver. Or maybe you’re inspired to buy someone flowers or write a note of love and appreciation.
Here’s the deal: follow your spontaneous and generous urge. These urges will arise, trust me. Then, after following through, spend a little time pondering where that urge came from. Your answer may surprise and delight you.
Happy Holidays.