After working the Bizarre Bazaar this past weekend to promote new book, Richmond Rocks, some things became very apparent to me. I’d like to share them with you, in hopes that, during this magical-yet-hectic-and-crazy season, we can all learn to cherish the things that are most important to us.
1) All that glitters is not gold. This is an old saying, and one that still holds true for a reason. While glitzy packaging, wrapping and bows can woo us, the real meaning of a gift and thought put behind it is so much more important–almost always–to the recipient.
2) It doesn’t have to be a race. So many folks love to rush through, saying “I’m all done! Isn’t that great! Everyone checked off my list!” This IS great, if it was truly a fun and meaningful gift-buying process, but not so much if it was a race to the finish line. Almost everyone I know appreciates thoughtfulness over promptness any day of the week, too.
3) Words can be the best gifts. I’ve already received the most amazing gift I could ever ask for this year: children are reading and enjoying our book. What a joy to see their faces, and the faces of their parents, at the images and words on the pages, that spring to life when read together with someone you love. I’ve had so many incredible, thoughtful, kind souls here in Richmond who have supported our efforts and without whose words–and kind deeds—the spirit of Christmas in me may not have been possible this year!
4) Time is the most important gift anyone can receive. When we got back from four long days of selling books, my four-year old grabbed my leg and said, “Please don’t work anymore, mama!” Even in the exhaustion after the show, taking time out to play wii, snuggle and talk to him was the best “detox” I could receive from the hustle-and-bustle of the busy buying season.
5) Remove the words “I want” from your vocabulary. This is the toughest. I see cute shoes, bags, and clothes I want every day. But at the core of it all is wanting to feel good about myself, wanting to have time with my family, and wanting to grow as a person. Those are things that can be acheived without a single ring of a cash register–it’s just often a bit more challenging.
Happy shopping, gals. And if you get frustrated, overwhelmed, or just need a break from the long lines, please re-read this and
