An Attitude of Gratitude

If you've been a little slow to get your holiday season started, there's no time like the present (that's both a hint and a play on words, btw) to pick up the pace, my friend, because the festive occasions are coming thick and fast and nearly non-stop between now and the beginning of the next year. 

Let's face it, the autumn days continue to grow shorter giving way to darker skies; the newspapers get a little plumper as merchants boost their advertising hoping to catch a shopper's eye while halls and other stationary objects are bedecked in holly and garland.

As you should know, the annual O'tis a Festival is this Saturday from ten until three (with Santa projected to arrive at eleven and food trucks throughout the day, though none serving reindeer burgers I'm told)). Naysayers to the contrary, there's plenty of free parking, and again this year helpers to guide you to the primo parking spots. 

There promises to be music, merriment, and entertainment for the whole family. Two floors of handmade arts and crafts from dozens of regional vendors will also be on display, with ideas and offerings to help jump-start your annual gift-gathering and giving. If you haven't attended in previous years, you've picked a good time to come and enjoy.  

One of the bonuses, I think, to the O'tis a Festival is the added hustle and bustle it brings to downtown, not to mention the extra feet in the street (and on the sidewalks) to check out not just the fest but what downtown businesses have been added and improved since last year. There are a lot, so come early to stay late.

While the O'Tis a Festival is a terrific time (and reason) to get started on just-right gifts for loved ones and others on your list, there are also opportunities to give and share the spirit of the season, especially with those in need right here in our backyard.

With Thanksgiving a week from tomorrow, Connecticut Foodshare will also put to good use any donation of food or cash that you’d like to offer, and don't forget Feeding America. 

We can help make this a happier holiday season for both friends and friends we’ve yet to meet. Open your heart and know whatever you share is both needed and appreciated.

-bill kenny