Editor’s note: 2020. While we have all experienced changes to our daily lives during the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are also hopeful about what is coming for all of us in 2021. On that note, the Westfield News once again asked members of the WhipCity Wordsmiths to share some impressions and reflections for a writers’ series which continues today with Lynnmarie May of Westfield.
WESTFIELD-Lynnmarie May has had work published in literary journals and local papers as well as in many children’s magazines including Cricket, Clubhouse, Ladybug, Babybug, On the Line, and Story Friends.
She is currently working on new magazine pieces, picture book texts, and a YA novel. She also writes 10-minute plays and belongs to many writers’ organizations.
Her submission is titled “Operation Donuts.”
Have you ever had such a craving for a fresh, old fashioned donut that you’d risk anything to be at Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts even on the morning of December twenty-fourth? If so, then you’ve seen them.
Waiting patiently in line, they’re almost always men. They’re either standing stiffly, staring straight ahead in that man-on-a-mission stance or, more often, they’re chatting amicably among themselves – strangers united by one common goal. These are the one day a year unsung heroes of Southwick and Westfield. Proudly stepping into line, they acknowledge their impressive rank: Family Donut Runner, First Class.
Picking up donuts on Dec. 24 at Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts in Southwick has been a tradition for many families for years. (SUSAN BUFFUM PHOTO)
Our family has such a dedicated man, my sister’s husband John. He braves the crowds year after year to ensure his wife, daughter, and every one of his in-laws has our favorite pastries for the family Christmas breakfast. As far as I know, no one’s ever asked John if he likes donuts. The first year of his and Susan’s marriage he had the twenty-fourth off from work so he made the run to Mrs. Murphy’s. Perhaps, in an unchecked moment of enthusiasm on becoming a member of our family, or for being asked to perform such an important mission, or maybe simply being a perfectionist, he made the rookie mistake of getting the order perfect. It’s been his day before Christmas job ever since.
It’s a stressful task, this keeping the donut order straight, but he accomplishes it without question or complaint. Not only does he take this assignment in stride, but he goes in without a list, knowing exactly who wants what. Without any teasing, raised eyebrows, or comment, and despite hearing “Only one for me this year!” the man knows the truth and comes through. No one can say my sister didn’t marry well. The guy’s a natural, a born donut runner.
Faced with cases of Long Johns, cinnamon twists, muffins, danish, cheese pockets, and cookies, these dedicated chosen few keep cool under pressure. There will be no variations from the list today. The family can try something new another day. One can never lose sight of the prime directive, Christmas morning has to start right.
They watch the donut trays straight ahead of them, silently keeping count as the jelly donuts begin to dwindle. Three people ahead, seven jelly donuts left. This is not a task for the faint of heart or newbies who don’t realize the cheerful counter staff are also keeping a close eye on inventory. A tray of still warm honey dews comes out, causing a few in the queue who’ve been eying those now four jelly donuts to feel a few skipped heartbeats. But a newly filled tray of plump, powdered jelly donuts is then quickly added to the racks and all is well with the world.
Established in 1976, Earl and Rose Murphy most likely never imagined their old fashioned, hand cut donuts would become such a holiday tradition for so many families. There’s nothing fancy about the building at 538 College Highway in Southwick. There’s nothing flashy when you walk inside the shop with the best donuts in New England. But regular customers know what’s waiting in store for them.
Mission accomplished! Each designated donut runner leaves the counter holding at least one box of donuts and usually a cup of coffee and a small bag holding a favorite treat as a reward for a job well done.
From the long lines on December twenty-fourth and watching all the boxes and bags leaving the shop, Mrs. Murphy’s Donuts is clearly one of the sweetest Christmas traditions in Southwick and Westfield.
