Well, we are in the week between Christmas and New Years. The quiet after the storm. Time to clean up, inventory and pack up holiday containers and supplies until next year. I have hours of book work to finish, evaluate 2016 and set goals for 2017. On the surface, business was better than last season. This was my third Christmas in the shop and I am happy for the increase that was exhausting but manageable. Next year, I will need part-time help in December so I can have more time to devote to my personal holiday prep, i.e., shopping and baking along with decorating my home. You see, this year my husband and sons did the decorating and most of the shopping. There were no Christmas cookies or candy made in my kitchen (which has never, ever happened in my life) and I barely bought a few gifts for my mom, sisters and my son's girlfriend. So, next year definitely hire part-time help.
Grateful. I am grateful for the good health of my family, my mother is 84 and spent the holidays with us. One of my sisters moved from D.C. to Ohio which means she can drive now to Wisconsin and we can visit her easier. My other sister is only 2 hours away in Chicago which is great but I want to see her more. I am also grateful that my sons are all doing well. I am grateful to my husband and sons for their help doing whatever I need, my financial angels and advisers, all my customers and the beautiful brides I met and designed for in 2016.
To close 2016, thanks everyone for your support of Elegant Arrangements by Maureen, LLC. Here's wishing you and yours a Very Happy New Year!
