Yarn Tales Tuesday


Time For the Holidays:


  Okay, everybody, it's that time of year again! Time for joy, cheer, pumpkin pie, and running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Many of you are finished with your holiday crochet projects, and many of you are probably buried in yarn and to-do lists. I'll make this week a "quickie" in respect of this busy time.




  Psst...Can I let you in on a secret? I'm not done with my projects!




  Why does it sometimes seem like the time of year that's emphasized for joy and good wishes usually leave us ragged and worn out? I'm glad I don't have to deal with the extra hassle of living in the snow, but in my area, we do suffer some fallout from the weather: Snowbirds! No, not the feathered kind that sing at your window in the morning, the shorts-and-tee-shirt-wearing kind that invade town every year telling us that the 50-degree weather is wonderful. 




  These are the same people that invade shopping centers and streets, slowing down checkout lines and traffic. The same people that add hundreds of people an hour to Walmart on Black Friday, while Walmart still only has 3 registers open. The same people that...help our economy?




  That's right! It's popular for the locals to complain about our migrating residents upsetting the normal rhythm of life, but we have to remember the benefits of having some new faces around. Sales increase at local stores, the flea market explodes, and cars line the streets at yard sales.




  People spend more money during the holidays and when traveling. That means if you want to sell your crochet and crafts, this can be a very beneficial time of year for you, too. You may not live in an area that has to deal with "Snowbirds", but consider the amount of people who travel out of town (and into yours) to visit friends and family. There's bound to be some vacationers around who haven't seen your work before, and may be interested in purchasing your goods. Whether it's through impulse buying or for gift-giving, you can take advantage of the season. Craft fairs, local shops and flea markets are all great places to sell your handmade goods. I find that it's more difficult to push the sale of one expensive item, while I see frequent sales of smaller, less expensive gifts.




  Even if you don't sell your goods, do you deal with "Snowbirds" in your area? Do the locals always complain about them? The stores get more crowded and the traffic gets heavier, but I tell people to "grin and bear it". Our seasonal visitors may seem like a nuisance, but they provide support for local businesses and contribute to the pockets of artists, designers and inventors.




  Like with other migrating species, I often find if you stop complaining and look at the brighter side, you might hear a beautiful song and find some entertainment. Many of our visitors have led fascinating lives, and have interesting stories to tell. You may find something in common with one of them if you just smile and stop to say "Happy Holidays". They're not so bad after all, because at the least, they usually have a smile in return to brighten your day.
  


Happy Crocheting!
    

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