I love this month. I always have. My father hated the commercialism of Christmas, but my mother loved the whole thing. When my brother and I were kids, she hardly ever wrapped a present before we fell asleep Christmas Eve, so it really was a wonder on Christmas morning.
Of course I see it a bit differently now that I'm in a business that is so crazy during December, but not too differently. I love that people come in to buy secret Santa gifts. I love that folks come in to buy candy filled dreidels, advent calendars, all that stuff. I'm not a religious person, but I do love the bustle of it all.
After 16 years in business, one of the very coolest rewards is that we have become a tradition in some families. The idea that Turtle Alley is a known, expected treat during the holidays makes me happier than I can express, actually. It's hard to believe this all started with one machine and just me.
It's a whole different ball game now, lots of apron-clad turtles gracing both stores, and lots of candy flying out the door. Chocolate on every surface, customers coming in and going out all day, so many turtles. Soooo many turtles.December is a month where attaining a work/life balance can be difficult, but every year it does get a bit better. One of the many added benefits to my job is that in December, it's also a lot of my social life -- I see everyone! I'm also pretty lucky that my husband is Turtle Alley's shipping manager, otherwise I might not see him at all.....
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| candy cane pretzels!! |
FYI: if you're in Cape Ann and watching cable on December 17th, tune in to John Ronan's TV show, "Writers Block". You'll get to see little ole me chat about my book, candy, all sorts of things!
Until next time: avoid the news at all costs, tell the people you love that you love them, smile at strangers, and by all means, do NOT make any chocolate related resolutions for the New Year!!
xxx. Happy Holidays.
Turtle Alley Chocolates are definitely a tradition in my family! My French family gets them every year. I tuck 5 boxes away in my carry on to keep'm safe during the trip over the pond. They call them "Les Turtles" with such a good French accent. In a land where good chocolate abounds, I love know that yours are the tops by them! Love you Turtle Alley and Hallie A. Baker!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Joyeux Noel!
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