Black Friday: Bah Humbug or ‘Joy to the World?’

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and next comes… comes… the Blackest of all Fridays. All those people, all those ads, all those decisions, people grabbing, and all the cars….I REFUSE!!!

This year, I am going to the Wishing Spring Gallery for their Holiday Open House and have wonderful coffee, cookies, and listen to holiday music, while I browse peacefully with other happy people. There are so many things to choose as presents for everyone on my list that I can smile, relax and enjoy the selection of perfect gifts. There are $2 items and all the way up to $6,000 items, (many more on the lower end of that spectrum, thank goodness)!

I have my eye on bird feeders for my husband and sonin-law, a painted bracelet for my daughter, a unique fabric-wrapped bowl for my dearest friend, and a few hand-painted bluebirds for mailing gifts. And that’s just the beginning – but I don’t have to worry: I will just write down all my names and start picking out lovely, handmade gifts for each. It is exciting, I believe, to give a gift that has been created by a local artisan that is unique, beautiful and chosen for the individual. I can even buy handmade bags to place them in and hand-designed cards to write my note on. A different type of one-stop shopping, for sure, but one that is truly appreciated by those of us trying to stay away from the “maddening crowds” while scoring the best presents ever!

The smiles I will see from those opening my presents is already warming my heart – I am truly in the Holiday Spirit!! Come join me at the Holiday Open House at Wishing Spring Gallery, right behind Walgreens on McNelly Road, in Bella Vista. While the Gallery is open every day during the holiday season, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the special welcoming Open House will be Friday through Sunday, Nov. 25-27.

Ihave my own gift picked out too — I’ll have to write Santa that I am taking care of it for him!

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