From the Desk of Aly B.
Lead Us Into Christmas Day
In what seems like a thousand years ago, I had the opportunity to assist an independent recording artist with a “Beatle-esque” Christmas song he had written. The song got some airplay, but never really took off as we had hoped and dreamed it would. The song was titled LEAD US INTO CHRISTMAS DAY. I recently revisited the song on YouTube and embraced how the lyrics were still applicable in my life today. The song is rooted in hope, peace, joy and love which grows into the true message of Christmas. As we prepare to put a final bow on our Growing Sound Play and Learn Holiday season, I’m reflecting on how much our small and humble business also stayed rooted in hope, peace, joy and love.
HOPE: This Holiday season we participated in ten IN-PERSON Craft & Vendor Events, and an Early Childhood Education Conference. As we packed our containers with books, toys and gifts we were hopeful that we would make the correct decisions on what to bring to each show that would inspire customers to try, and buy, new things they might have never seen before. We met and chatted with so many wonderful shoppers and every one of them left our vendor table with a smile.
PEACE: There’s something so special about operating an e-commerce site during the Holiday season. On some days it may be hectic and busy. But on MOST days, it is both a calming and peaceful process. Initially you get a flutter of excitement when the order comes in. But as we took the time to carefully pack each box and choose a surprise gift to add to the order, we chose to be more mindful of the experience. We made sure our shipping area was decorated and that the Holiday music was turned up ever so slightly so as not to be a distraction, but to provide inspiration.
JOY: This was our first Holiday season with our Painted Tree Boutiques partnership. We decorated our space with garland and white lights and added two mini white trees with colored lights. It was just enough because we really let the amazing products do the talking. As I took the 40-minute drive up to Cincinnati/Montgomery each week I had waves of nerves not knowing what I would see when I arrived. But what I saw was EMPTY shelves and display stands. And suddenly I felt waves of joy overwhelm me. Customers were shopping at my booth! They were exploring new things and seeing the value of bringing play and learning together. And adding new items each week was like icing on the Christmas cookie. Additionally, on each trip I was also able to shop and support other small businesses. Made gift shopping so much easier being able to explore hundreds of mini boutiques who share similar dreams of success.
LOVE: And finally, as I wind things down and prepare to spend time with friends and family, my heart is full of love. Love for those who have helped me through another year of this business: physically, emotionally and spiritually. Love for customers who see value in our mission. Love for vendors who introduce me to wonderful products. Love for those who support me in risks. And most of all…love of God, the Father, who chose to send his only Son to be the Savior of our world.
May the Blessings of this Holiday Season be a Light for All.
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