The Excitement

      We are all still in the 'bustling about' stage of Christmas, lots of last minute shopping going on.  We are so pleased to be able to send our customers out with their gifts in lovely decorated gift bags.  Women sigh with relief at not having to buy wrapping and trimmings, do the wrapping and trimming, while moving onto the cooking, cleaning and last minute errands.  Can't help but smile at the men's reactions to the pretty done-up gift bags...a mixture of relief and this knowing 'She' is going to be impressed with the gift and the gift bag!
     And right around the corner is the time when the bustling is done.  Done.  No more time or energy to do whatever else is left on the ubiquitous list...
     The Peace of Christmas does settle in at last. The reason we do all that we do comes into focus.  Now its time to stop, look around and drink it in, breathe.
     Breathe. And be thankful.

Walking, not running, behind!

Like almost everyone else, the to-do list is growing.  Having won some hard-earned ground in actually slowing down, I am resisting the 'hit the ground running' temptation.  There are right now about 6 boxes calling out to me to be opened, priced and displayed....and this is a gift shop so that's what we do!

But I played with my grandchildren today... and if I sell a little bit less because I am one day late putting all this delightful inventory out...so be it.  Those little faces and hearts full of enthusiasm will remain in my soul long after the cool stuff is sold, a day late... but really, right on time.