Holidays are so full of
expectations, and
thoughts of perfection, that
sometimes they just can’t
live up to the dream, and
the resulting crash can be
painful unless you learn to
let it be what it’s going to
be.
It’s easy to get
carried away with
the plans, and
preparations so much that you lose sight of the real meaning behind the
seasons we celebrate.
Finding something that you are thankful for, and a bit of gratitude can make it a great day.
Whatever this season to means to you, I wish you a day that you dream of, a wonderful time of joy, and peaceful surroundings.
I know that it sounds more like a Christmas wish, but for so many people this is the start of such a season of busyness, buying, and preparing that I thought I should just slip it in there.
So take a moment to reflect on what you have versus what you need, buy local whenever possible, and buying handmade does more good then you know.
If you are out there shopping, please make sure to give the sales representatives the biggest smile, and a thank you. I’ve been there for so many years, working the holidays, missing the family dinners, tired and ran off of my feet.
A smile,, and nice greeting from a customer goes a very long way to making a day more pleasurable, believe me.
Happy Thanksgiving a day early….
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
I agree, shop small.. I try to get all I can from the local shop owners in the tiny town of lexington nc. It hurts me when I see some of the close their doors.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to You and Yours.
Me to I agree as well ! Working retail as I did for so many years is tuff this time of year for all ! I love our local Ma & Pop country shops they have lots of unique things and all hand made ! I do love your bowl full of pine cones and out door goodies ! Have a wonderful day and a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family tomorrow !
ReplyDeleteI like shopping small! Throughout the fall I pick up small things when I see them, rather than going 'shopping' to hunt for gifts. That's way too stressful. Good post. And love that wood dragonfly!!! Seeing the pail with the hen in it makes me wish I'd brought in one of mine before it was too late. Oh well. I'll see them next spring. :-) Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and lovely sentiments today, Jen.
ReplyDeletesuch good advice, you are a sweetheart!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your lovely post, and totally agree with you, Jen. Smiles and kind words always makes things better. :-)
ReplyDeleteSince going back into the work force full time I have really scaled back what I can do for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteMost haven't noticed or cared so I guess it was just me who needed all this stuff done every year. Lesson learned.
Happy Thanksgiving, Jen. Amen on the support for small, local businesses. I will be shopping locally on Small Business Saturday. The gifts at small businesses are more interesting, anyway.
ReplyDeleteNot much to choose from local..it is all touristy crap...other then the two bookstores..and how many books can you buy? I did buy a few antiques locally..:)
ReplyDeleteThat is so true Jen, happy holiday preparation wishes to you.
ReplyDeleteSuch good reminders for this time of year. I like shopping locally.
ReplyDeleteYou are right about giving the sales people a smile and thank you. I try to make sure I do, unfortunatly I sometimes forget. :(
ReplyDeleteQuick question...what is the plant with the thick leaves in the metal pail?
Thanks for the reminder. Christmas shopping sometimes seems to bring the worst out in people. Those who work retail have an obligation to keep customers happy; it should be the same for shoppers. Love your pine cone photos. With all of the pines here at the Garden Spot, I ought to be going something with the cones. While you have already celebrated your Thanksgiving, have a happy day tomorrow as well.Cheers
ReplyDeleteGood advice. Happy Thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteHomemade crafts are the best gifts, especially if you make them yourself.
ReplyDeleteI try to purchase as much locally as I can to help the local economy.
I make it a point to buy locally and to support local artists.
ReplyDeleteYour beautiful photographs are a wonderful expression of artistry and love. Thank you for that! There are so many things to be thankful for, and I agree that it's a good exercise to recognize and be thankful for all the helpful and cheerful gestures we experience every day.
Good advice. Retail is hard. I had been there for many years. You remember the nice people more then the mean ones. But they sure can bring your day down with their meaness. Which you really appreciate the nice ones even more. Some times I think we need the disagreable ones to make us apprieciate the nice ones more and to rmind us that there are nice ones still in our lives. Have a great holiday season.
ReplyDeleteJen - For so many years I have had so many craft shows, open houses, etc. that I just dreaded getting into the holiday season. My solution? I do all of my Christmas shopping plus my cards in the summer. Then, when December 1 comes, I don't have the stress that I use to. Sounds crazy but it works for me.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving.
Judy
Have a wonderful holiday in your new home, Jen!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Enjoy the day.
ReplyDeleteGreat thoughts to keep in mind!!
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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ¤HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Handmade gifts are treasures to keep. May I ask you how you come up with your creative shots in cups, baskets, how much time do you spend composing these lovely shots? Been meaning to ask you and never know when to ask you.
ReplyDeleteJen thanks for such a lovely post. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jen for the wonderful reminder. I did my shopping yesterday and it was all local. The rest are my own handmade things.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Laura
If only the world would realize how much retail workers sacrifice, just to meet their customer's holiday needs! Yes, yes, yes. Please be kind to the workers, they try very hard to please you. One more little reminder. Even the big box stores are staffed with local workers, and they need your support too!
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