RobinDec 24, 2022
Kim Scheinberg

The holidays can be a really tough time. The advice I often heard was, "Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Help others. Get out of your head." It's perfectly fine advice, but unhelpful if the mere thought of interacting with people is overwhelming. Anyway, here's a thing I did one year that did help:

I bought a Cookie Monster costume, went to the airport, and waited at arrivals with a sign that said "COOKIE"

Didn't have to talk to anyone and boy did I get to watch people's faces light up.

Dec 23, 2022 at 5:40pmWeb
Show threadLeigh HoneywellDec 23, 2022
@kims this has such chaotic energy, I love it
Show threadArclightDec 23, 2022
@kims More of this please. Not necessarily from you - you've clearly paid your dues propping up our collective psyche - but as inspiration to others. To be that Airport Cookie Monster that we all need and deserve. #RiseUpAndBeTheWeirdWeNeedInThisWorld
Show threadBruce MirkenDec 23, 2022
@kims But did anyone give you a cookie?
Show threadKim ScheinbergDec 23, 2022

@BruceMirken
Funny you should ask. One girl, age 9 or 10, handed me the last of her 6-cookie pack of Oreos (the kind you get at an airport newsstand) while her mom watched from 15 ft away.

It gets *really* hot in that costume really quickly, but that small gesture (and the 2 cookies!) kept me there an hour longer than I otherwise would have been.

Show threadBruce MirkenDec 23, 2022
@kims I love it!
Show threadRansumDec 23, 2022
@kims @BruceMirken That is so dang awesome !
Show threadACAB for Cutie Dec 23, 2022
@kims
😭😭😭❤️❤️
@BruceMirken
Show threadJulieEmeryDec 23, 2022
@kims I love that!
Show threadAliceonboardDec 23, 2022
@kims that's brilliant
Show threadFrancis 🏴‍☠️ GulottaDec 23, 2022
@kims @mekkaokereke this is lovely
Show threadAZFippedBlue🦋Dec 23, 2022
@kims Thanks for the chuckle😆
Show threadLinda K. WertheimerDec 23, 2022
@kims For some reason, I just love this! And the looks from the limo drivers are priceless!
Show threadJuicy Cake Of FigsDec 23, 2022
@kims Did you meet anyone NAMED Cookie? 😁
Show threadJess ZimbabweDec 23, 2022
@kims I love the story, but why the weird photoshop? I would have just believed the story…
Show threadKim ScheinbergDec 23, 2022
@Jzimbabwe
A pic is worth a thousand words, and I still have the costume so why not? Just digging it out of the closet for the photo holding the COOKIE sign made me think about going out to the airport this weekend...
Show threadJess ZimbabweDec 24, 2022
@kims ha! So you got _into_ the costume and then photoshopped yourself? That’s commitment. Thanks.
Show threadLynn McAlister UE  Dec 23, 2022
@kims What a great example of making a difference while respecting your own boundaries!
Show threadEungerDec 23, 2022
@kims this is an amazing idea…
Show threadWe're Not In Kansas AnymoreDec 23, 2022

@kims

That's brilliant!

Show threadMemereDec 23, 2022
@kims Genius!
Show threadPaul Will Gamble  🇨🇦Dec 23, 2022
@kims Not all heros wear capes
Show threadideaPDishDec 23, 2022
@kims
So you really are a monster. What kind of truck do you drive?
Show threadMWTDec 23, 2022
@kims The one time I dressed up as Plankton from Spongebob Squarepants for an open house at the marine science institute where I worked at the time, I had LOTS and LOTS of interaction with little kids. And was a popular subject for cameras. I guess airport waiting areas don't encourage social interaction in the same way though. :)
Show threadDavidPDec 23, 2022
@kims That's awesome! You gave out cookies I assume?
Show threadAriaflameMar 9, 2025
@root @kims The cookie monster does not give *away* cookies.
Show threadChris LamkeDec 23, 2022
@kims this is a wonderful idea! Very creative.
Show threadDennis1212Dec 23, 2022
@kims Your post and my follow got you to 1k. Love your idea. Cookie!
Show threadPatty Bluebird 🦩Dec 23, 2022
@kims Ever since my stroke I've become more introverted. I can't handle crowds. The other day I walked into the AA meeting and there were maybe 15 people and I almost walked out. I sat by one of my 'safe people' and managed to survive the hour.
Show threadTown vs. Beagle KillerDec 24, 2022

@pburke46 Glad you stuck it out. Hopefully it will be easier next time.

Getting older can be such fun!

Show threadEirliani A RahmanDec 23, 2022
@kims Kim, another instance of your being an awesome human!!😍
Show threadPeter Drake HAS MOVEDDec 23, 2022
@kims There are also logistical behind-the-scenes volunteer jobs where you can help the neediest without being on the front lines.
Show threadvincenteDec 23, 2022
@kims Did anyone give you a cookie?
Show threadSoozcatDec 23, 2022
@kims I absolutely adore this. Thank you for sharing it.
Show threadLostInPompeiiDec 23, 2022
@kims What a great idea.
Show threadMarc Reichelt 🇺🇦Dec 23, 2022
@kims ohhh, what a lovely idea! Hilarious! 😄
Show thread@[email protected]Dec 23, 2022

@kims

Yes! More people and noise is enough to send me into reverse gear.

But I do like making a cake and bringing slices around to my neighbours.

Your airport Cookie trip made me laugh.

And happy to see a fellow #hats fan. Hence my handle here and on twitter.

Show threadNanaKimDec 23, 2022
@kims ❤️
Show threadGeorge Hammerton Dec 23, 2022
@kims Adore this, what a brilliant idea, well done for following through – bet that was so much fun!
Show threadThe Velvet HammerDec 23, 2022
@kims that’s the spirit! 😍
Show threadRichard Martin-NielsenDec 23, 2022

@kims @chad I once came through the doors at #Ottawa airport and there was someone standing there with a sign saying

GODOT

I laughed quietly and applauded them discreetly.

I don’t know how long they waited. And they were alone.
#WaitingForGodot #Beckett #AirportArrivals #YOW

Show threadIt's Just Jenn 🏳️‍⚧️Dec 23, 2022
@rmartinnielsen @kims @chad maybe they were waiting for Gal Gadot and just spelled her name wrong? 😂
Show threadDahlia lithwickDec 23, 2022
@kims Love love love this. Thank you. Face lit up
Show threadThe Velvet HammerDec 23, 2022
@Dahlialith @kims would be great to organize groups to do this in every city. I can dream. 💕
Show threadDahlia lithwickDec 23, 2022
@vmatinnia @kims I'm in
Show threadThe Velvet HammerDec 23, 2022
@Dahlialith @kims @kims, ooh now to organize..hopefully.
Show threadKim ScheinbergDec 23, 2022

@Dahlialith @vmatinnia
My kid asked if seeing so many people appreciate this story was as enjoyable as actually doing it. I told him I couldn't remember anymore (it was years ago) but there was one way to find out.

Good thing the costume still fits — guess what we're doing tomorrow? I promise to report back with a real pic, or maybe even video.

And y'all are amazing. Thank you.

Show threadThe Velvet HammerDec 23, 2022
@kims @Dahlialith that’s fantastic! Way to mom awesomely!
Show threadDahlia lithwickDec 23, 2022
@kims @vmatinnia My 17 year old was so delighted when I showed him this. So paid it forward here too?
Show threadKim ScheinbergDec 25, 2022

@Dahlialith @vmatinnia
We went out to Harry Reid today. It was eerily empty. We eventually found some int'l passengers arriving but only a trickle, and Uber means no one is waiting inside with a sign anymore. (Maybe a Christmas Eve Saturday when thousands of flights were cancelled wasn't the best planning.)

It was still fun (just putting on the costume is fun!) and we'll do it again, but maybe on a Friday or Sunday next time. I hope I'll eventually get to see your photos.

Show threadDahlia lithwickDec 25, 2022
@kims @vmatinnia Day Made
Show threadThe Velvet HammerDec 25, 2022
@kims @Dahlialith Kim, I think you’ve begun something immense.
Show threadRandy Noseworthy 😼 Apr 30, 2023

@kims @Dahlialith @vmatinnia

Thanks. - The world could use more people like you.

Show threadLindaNYC2VT Ⓥ 🌊🐖🐄🐓🦃🐬🐝🦋🦇Dec 23, 2022
@vmatinnia @Dahlialith @kims I want to do this!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
Show threadThe Velvet HammerDec 24, 2022
@LindaVT @Dahlialith @kims Im trying to figure out a way to do it this Xmas, what does everyone think- we post pix of it when we can?
Show threadLindaNYC2VT Ⓥ 🌊🐖🐄🐓🦃🐬🐝🦋🦇Dec 24, 2022
@vmatinnia @Dahlialith @kims that sounds perfect.
Show threadCallalilyDec 23, 2022
@kims
That's so cool.
Show threadeyrea 🇨🇦Dec 23, 2022

@kims I really believe society as a whole would be more healthy if we all let our (harmless) freak flag fly like this more often.

Cheers!