Several years ago a Washington TV reporter who was working on an assignment on “the Spirit of Christmas,” telephoned the British Embassy and asked to speak to the British Ambassador.
”Ambassador,” the reporter said, “you have been very kind to us through the year and we would like to include you in a special Christmas news segment we’re going to run. Tell me, what would you like for Christmas?”
”I am deeply touched by your offer,” the Ambassador replied, “but I must decline to accept any gift.”
”Oh please,” said the reporter, “you really have been very helpful to us, so won’t you please tell me what you would especially like for Christmas?”
Again the Ambassador refused, but the reporter persisted and he finally gave in. “All right then, if you insist, this Christmas I would like a jar of mint jelly.”
Having forgotten the conversation, the ambassador was surprised when several weeks later, on Christmas Eve, he turned on the evening news telecast…
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