Black Friday. Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday. Small business Saturday. National Package Protection Day (Yes, that is real and was yesterday).
We seem to coin names for just about every day on the calendar once holiday shopping begins.
Personally, I stopped fearing for my Black Friday sales loving life nearly a decade ago when I realized that Cyber Monday was actually better. And all those "only hours left!!!" warnings in my inbox? Meh. Without exception, I wake up to a "Holy heffer on a hot tin roof! We extended our super-fantabulous-never-before-seen-slap-yo-momma-upside-the-head-with-a-singing-Billy-bass-trout-because-these-prices-are-insane!!!" email from the same companies.
Sales do not stop. They just gather more grandiose adjectives as we get closer to the big day.
But in the spirit of tagging each day with moniker, I am here with gratitude to declare today, Thank You Thursday.
Sure, I know that was kind of the gist of last Thursday around the Butterball, but today as I sit continuing the Yes, Virginia elfing work, I wanted to drop in and say THANK YOU.
Less than a month ago, still gobsmacked by the election, stunned by having to acknowledge how many in our society just don't care to vote, don't educate themselves about their vote, or voted for authentic fascism, I sat here and wrote that my elfing spirits were low; that I was leaving it up to the blogmunity whether we would move forward with Yes, Virginia for a 16th year.
Your response was overwhelming. And moving forward with your emotional and financial support has been, for the 16th year, amazing.
Your donations have purchased over $1000 in grocery gift cards. You have helped purchase sneakers, slippers, underwear, pajamas, blankets, Hot Wheels track sets, baby dolls, sweatpants, sweatshirts, sweaters, coats, mittens and gloves, play makeup sets, hairbrushes, board games, walkie talkie playsets, beanies, scarves, Nerf toys, journals, batteries (if the toy needs them, we supply them), wrapping paper, tape, tags and bows (it always warms my heart to think about the parents we help wrapping these gifts for their children), stocking candy and more.
For our hurricane family who lost everything, Rudy and I did some specialized elfing and purchased them a new TV set. They were speechless to open the door and find that delivery. And I thought about it for a long time before doing it. Partly because I did not want to use your donations for such a grand gift (although TVs this time of year are always a great deal), but also because of what a television represents. From the moment TVs found their way into living rooms, they became a place families came together. They represent connection, normalcy. Even when it is on just as background white noise, we feel less alone to hear Food Network chefs cheffing in the background or a Mr. Clean commercial playing a familiar tune. I also thought about what Rudy and I always say about our hurricane and realizing what's important: "You can always buy another TV set. You cannot buy another each other."
They have each other. And now they have a television to gather around and, for moments, feel a bit more normal.
And we're not done. We still have funds available to help more families bring some holiday magic into their homes, their hearts, their spirits, and create those joyous smiles from children Christmas morning.
So please, on this Thank You Thursday, when I am so very grateful for all of you once again financing this incredible yearly effort, please let me know if there are others in your orbits who could use some DGMS magic. [email protected] Send them my way.
Love you all,
Linda
Comments