Christmas eve ~ Sweet anticipation

Christmas eve is finally here.  Our big season selling dolls is over.  We did well.  There are a LOT of dolls, all over the US and Canada, under many families Christmas tree.   We made bald dolls this year.  This made reborn dolls available to families that otherwise might not have been able to afford them.
We have already been getting pictures from grateful families of our dolls with their new mommies.
In my childhood, I couldn't sleep, knowing that Santa was coming.  Oh, the sweet anticipation.  I remember waking up very early with my sister Susie, sitting on the couch, looking at the beautiful packages and bows and ribbons.
I have a much deeper appreciation for my parents.  I know there were some pretty tough times for our family and for Dad's business.  Somehow, Mom and Dad always were able to make sure we had a fun Christmas.
This year, the lead up to the Christmas season has been fraught with business hiccups, decorating hiccups, getting the house clean hiccups, etc.  I know we will still have fun and family.
We will travel the short distance to my brothers house, play some pinochle, drink eggnog, and relax.   For me, my real treat, will be spending time with them.  I might even put a bow on my big brother.  He will be my present this year. 
For me, Christmas has become much less about any packages, or presents.  Spending time is the truest, most precious commodity.  I can't wait.  Anticipation.  It's delicious!
Merry Christmas to all our family, friends, and customers.

disappointment in the holidays

Woke up this morning to see three messages from a disappointed customer.  Wow.  The presentation was bad, it was missing items, we had promised something extra as it had taken extra time to get there, etc. etc.
I feel badly for the customer.  To spend all that money, wait all that time, and not get what they expected.  Rita and I work so very hard to make each doll special.  We strive to make opening the box to be the answer to all that anticipation.
Dammit.
We will do our very best to make this customer satisfied.  But, the specialness of that first opening of the box is gone.
We have had so many successes, but its hard not to focus on this.  It is not the normal.  It is an aberration. 
Just like in life, we often focus on our failures.  We forget the good we do.  We forget the loving things we do.  We forget the kindnesses we show, and focus on a negative.
I am resolved, today, to focus on our positive, even as we deal with this customer.  We make beautiful dolls.  We have touched many, many lives.  We have made some wonderful Christmas gifts this year. 
Each doll.  Each customer.  One at a time.  The best we can do.  That's all we can strive for. 
This is a great day.  I intend to make it mine!  David

4:30 AM.  All is quiet.  Turbo is softly asleep at my feet.  Waiting for the coffee to finish.  The sun won't come up for a couple of hours.  Flea, my cat, softly mews.  I have read the news.  I played my Sudoku.  I checked eBay and Etsy.
Its December first, and we have had to shut down taking any more orders for dolls.  We are full.  We ran a sale in November, and it was incredibly successful.  Now we just have to make them all.  Phew!
Its Sunday.  Unfortunately we won't be able to go to church today.  Way too much to do.  Maybe our priorities are a little skewed.
It is a real pleasure to make so many Christmas gifts each year.  It is fulfilling to know that so many kids will open a present to find our baby inside.  Kind of cool.
Today will be spent building dolls and continuing to organize all our supplies and orders.  It will be over in three weeks or so. 
Then, time to catch our breath, and enjoy some time to ourselves.  Play scrabble.  Eat.
To all our friends out there, stay busy, but not too busy.   Take time to enjoy this wonderful season.  Stay warm.  Eat good food.  And love.  Most of all, love.  David