Ring the bells, light the lights, get ready for the big day. This Saturday is the big day in Richland Springs. Dozens of vendors will deck the streets out with their booths and wares, the Christmas lights will be energized, and the town will light up with Christmas cheer. RS Bo Ho Unique will have its grand opening, and Santa will be in town.
Hundreds of Christmas shoppers will arrive in Richland Springs to share in the festivities. Our kiddos who take a photo with Santa will get a chance to win a brandnew electric Razor scooter. The bank building will be open for all to see many of the historic photos that Jason Lewis has been collecting thanks to some of our local inhabitants. The Preservation Society will have bowls of chili for market attendees. They are asking for a donation-only payment. There will even be some caroling to spark the Christmas spirit. There’s no room for inflation woes on Saturday. Let’s deck the streets with laughter and fellowship. You could get your Christmas shopping done on one day. Now that’s a great thought.
It would be wrong of me to omit the fact that one of our holidays bypassed by merchants is Thanksgiving. I think it's because it’s a family loving time, not a shopping event. Merchants are trying to make a living, but Black Friday and Halloween have blotted out this marvelous time to stop and be thankful. Thanksgiving is the day we pause and enjoy this wonderful American life. It’s the day we wrap our arms around the treasures we have in our life: our family, our church, our friends, and those who are less fortunate. Our thanks belong to our God who has blessed us so richly. This Thursday, pause and reflect on your many blessings and thank God for the roof over your head, food on your table, and the family and friends that love you. Stop and reflect and sympathize with your friends who have lost loved ones and are now facing a lonesome holiday. When and where you can, spread love and kindness.
I’ve been thanking God for the lovely rain, but I had to work at thanking Him for the cold. It does keep the bug population down and gives the trees a break, but it does nothing good for me personally. It was colder here than it was where my sisters live in Canada. Mind you, they were getting about a foot of snow, so there is some benefit, I think. I hope by Saturday it will be better weather.
This is the crazy countdown time before Christmas. Everything gets busy, including school. I feel safe in reminding students and parents that all work must be up to date before the Christmas break. Our students have games, activities, and schoolwork to do. Hug your student and give them rest time, but stay on them to get everything done in a timely manner. Great thought for the day, then you get two weeks off school.
Please pray for all the families who have lost loved ones. First holidays without a loved one are difficult. Pray for our officers who face danger during the holiday season, pray for our open border, and for the run-off elections. I hope and pray our Congress can get along and get things done to help the average family in the country. Most of all pray for our precious troops and their families. Praise God for the rain. God bless you with a wonderful week.