Over the River and Through the Woods

This past weekend marked the beginning of what is now called "The Thanksgiving Week."

Thanksgiving has been my absolutely favorite holiday. Although it gets more and more difficult to enjoy it, because of all the rush-rush-rush and worry-worry-worry, I was able to enjoy one aspect I love a little early this year -- being with family. It came just at the right time, when I knew for sure that we, Larry and I, were not going to be able to spend time with our grandchildren -- Jack and Ruby, and the adult children and significants.

Far be it for me to complain about the holidays starting earlier and earlier. While I was enjoying an early 50th Birthday weekend with the girls on the Chin side of Family (Bridget Dunphy Barry did join us for dinner on Saturday), Larry was kept busy with visitors and sales at the store.

One of the reasons why we have been so busy is the tremendously generous response again this year for our Books for Babes program. We just want to say how much we appreciate everyone pulling together and remembering that books are toys, too, although we do have Melissa & Doug wooden toys & puzzles, plush animals, hand puppets and art supplies. These are all gifts which keep giving, bringing joy and enlightenment to children of all ages (including those about to turn 50).

We also want to remind people that Books on First has affordable little luxuries like special holiday lattes, hot chocolate and brownies which are great treats for the harried holiday organizer, shopper or volunteer.

Downtown Dixon is having its Christmas Walk on the first weekend in December. In years past, Christmas Walk was simply on the Friday evening and what a magical time that was -- stores all decorated and open for viewing, carolers and Santa Claus in Victorian-era dress, chestnuts roasting on the Weber grill, even haywagon rides. To include more elderly and younger participants, there began a movement to have Christmas Walk on Saturday afternoon. For the last couple of years, there were conflicting views of which should be the real Christmas Walk -- Friday evening or Saturday afternoon. Well, this year as always, we are definitely open for both!