Merry Christmas...

Just locked the front door, literally and metaphorically, on the 2010 Christmas season and I must share with you what an amazing season it has been. I speak not of the cash register but of the meaningful moments and significant personal stories shared with me because of this store. Many have brought joyful tears to my eyes, like opening the door the night of my Christmas Gathering and seeing SO many people waiting to come in...an astounding moment for me and one I will not forget.

But there have been so many more that are, well, just humbling. A couple of weeks ago a young woman came in the front door and headed straight to me at the counter. She asked if I was the owner and I said yes. She said "I just want to tell you something...". She proceeded to tell me that a few nights before she brought her boyfriend home from the hospital after his latest chemo treatment. They were stopped at the traffic light out front. Understandably, this year has been especially difficult for this young man and she said he has not had anything positive to say for quite a while. She told me while they sat at the light he turned his head and saw the wintry windows of the store full of the lit-up snow covered trees and he said "Wow, that's really pretty." She just wanted me to know...and she turned and walked out. I stood there with tears streaming down my face and I said a prayer for that man. A man I have never met and will never forget. All of us have something to give, no matter how big or small and sometimes you never know when you're giving to someone who really needs it. Makes me think we should all wake up asking ourselves, what can I do for someone else today?

That is just one of a plethora of personal moments shared with me recently. And yes, while it's important that the cash register hums so I can keep the doors open...moments like these are the true reason and my motivation for creating urban farmhouse 5 years ago. All of you make these moments possible. Thank you.

Wishing you and yours the very best Christmas.

~~Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas. ~Peg Bracken