Shop Small Saturday

I did not go out to shop on Black Friday.  It's just not my thing.

But I do like the "Shop Small Saturday" idea.  I bought a Collector's Draw Ticket from the Huntsville Art League, and I went to a few thrift stores.

(Yes, I went to Walmart, but it was a heavy duty utility shelf, faucet covers and AAA batteries, come on.)

(And I consider Krispy Kreme a boutique restaurant.)

I went to a few thrift stores.  At St. Vincent de Paul Thrift store, and bought 15 items of kids clothes and a Christmas sweater for me.  I visited the two Saving Way Thrift Stores in the north part of Huntsville, and I bought some crafty sorts of things.  And a book.

I admit. I don't recall ever having READ Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," but I found it lovely and the illustrations charming.

But I still don't think I have enough Christmas books.

Keep Christmas in My Heart

My first true step to a little bit of Christmas year-round was the year I sent out this Hallmark card.  In addition to "The Velveteen Rabbit," I have a fondness for Teddy Bears.

There, tucked amid Victorian-style touches, the fuzzy sits and waits for its special child.  I liked this card so much that I framed and hung it up. What? I thought to myself, Only I will know that it's really a Christmas card.  At first glance it's a Teddy Bear and presents--- could be a birthday.

A couple of years later, I chose another Victorian-theme as my Christmas card.  I had to admit to myself, that I do try to live this very sentiment.

I do try honor Christmas in my heart.

I do try to keep it all the year.

I try to think of others.  I try to act with kindness.  I try to give without counting.  I try to like myself.  I try to love.  I try to discover joy.

I don't consistently succeed.

I get self-centered.  I speak thoughtlessly.  I hold unrealistic expectations. I turn despondent.  I become angry.  I hide from all, from myself.

But I try again.

Even Ebenezer got a fresh chance.  Every morning we get a fresh chance.

I try for Peace.  I try for Joy.  I try for Love.

Thankful

Carlos and I have been married for a year, plus a couple of weeks.

We spent today together, just us two.  It irked my mom a bit, but we wanted a quiet day of being grateful for each other.

(And since we are suffering from unplanned, horrid colds, I'm guessing everyone is thankful we're keeping it all to ourselves!)