Do You Still Believe? I DO

It's been a while since I could take the time to sit down and write. I've been working on special orders for the holidays and trying to get some "new" things ready to go. So instead of talking shop, I've decided to share some of my family's Christmas Magic.

Vintage Glitter Pear Ornaments from Black Magic Emporium
http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackMagicEmporium

Do you still believe in Santa Claus? I DO!!! One of the best reasons is my husband, his actions as a teenager and the tradition that he carries on to this day.

When my husband was about seventeen there was a young family that lived across the street. The mom was a stay at home mother and the dad had just lost his job at the beginning of the month. My husband was helping to shovel their sidewalk when he overheard them talking about how they were going to handle Christmas. See they had a four year-old boy and a little girl in Kindergarten, and if they were going to make their house payment there couldn't be a Christmas. So they felt the only thing they could do was them the "truth."

Good Old Santa Ornament from GrapeVine Ceramics & Gifts
http://www.etsy.com/shop/GrapeVineCeramicsGft

Now my husband was a helpful guy but he was also unapproachable to those who didn't know him. He played hard, had a lot of fun and damn the consequences. But to those who actually know him, he's one of the most stand up guys you're going to meet. He'll give you the shirt off his back if you are in need. He still remembered the excitement of having presents from Santa at Christmas and he didn't want to see a little kid, let alone two grow up without that experience. So my husband hatched a plan... He took his beer money for the month (yes at seventeen he always made sure he had beer money... see description above) and bought Christmas for the family. He managed a small decorated tree for their table, a Barbie, Barbie car, clothes and accessories, a Big Wheel trike, and Hotwheels cars for the little ones, and hats and gloves for the whole family. He then dropped them off on their door step the weekend before Christmas (rang the doorbell and ran). We don't know if they had already told the kids but either way Santa came and the next year they all believed.

Parker's Christmas Tree Forest by Kater's Acres
http://www.etsy.com/shop/KatersAcres

My husband a few of his friends have since adopted a different family that is struggling every year since. They all pitch in for gifts and take turns playing Santa. As they get older they are finding it more difficult not to get caught, especially when families have pets, so they are slowly asking their sons to join in.

I Believe... Copper and Sterling Stampled Necklace by Little Green Room
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleGreenRoom

So... I still do believe... The idea of a person "Santa" is gone, but the feeling, the giving, the anticipation and excitement, and above all the love remains.

Open House Research

The preparations for the holidays at home and in the shop are underway. This weekend I went to several open houses in the Chestnut District in my hometown of Hays, KS. I really want to put one together next year for our shop, so I took notes.

One of the many displays
 at the Paisley Pear in Hays, KS

First stop was the Paisley Pear. It's a relatively new shop that features home decor and kitchen stuff. Other than trying some great food and drink samples, my dear friend and I found items to start our holiday season off right. She found items for her "Secret Santa" exchange and I found crystal ornaments to add to my tree. 

This gourmet popcorn was one of many samples we tried.
If you get the chance to stop by and try some, please do...

But remember this was also a learning quest... what could I learn that I may be able to use when I finally get to hold my open house? First off, this shop offers an awesome variety... items that make your home look good, function well and smell great. What am I going to be able to do to create variety at my open house? I can add some great snacks and drinks but not anything I can sell to anyone. Unless, I find a person who sells food items to go in with me.. hmmm I'll have to see what else I can come up with. Secondly, I can stage my shopping area better for that weekend. Right now my sales area is staged as functional, there are shelves around the office with my items displayed but not really any additional decor. Why you ask? Because my storefront is also my husband's oil change business' office. Can't clutter it too much for daily use, even if it would look great - it would be impossible to keep clean.

Cup of Christmas Tea Ornament
http://www.etsy.com/listing/85691276/ceramic-tea-cup-ornament-cup-of

I want my open house to do what this one did for me. I'm hooked. I love that shop and I will return, and not just for the holidays. This open house also inspired me to get more of my Christmas items listed. So keep an eye out in the shop, you never know what you will find.

Set of Patriotic Ornaments
http://www.etsy.com/listing/85527645/ceramic-patriotic-ornaments-set-of-3