We had several families bring in their children, and for some this was their child’s 1st Christmas. That made it even more special for all of us.  One couple brought in their 4 month old twin girls.  They were SO adorable!

I even got a chance to take the opportunity and sit with Santa and tell him how good I was this year and let him know what I’d like for Christmas.  I hope, I hope, I hope he brings it to me!  ;-)

I want to thank everyone that came by our office today with their children and especially thank you for bringing your gifts to help out with the Marine’s Toys for Tots.

Thank you also to everyone that allowed me to assist them with their real estate sales and purchases.  I really appreciate your trust and support!

I’ve heard that Santa is already in his sleigh and beginning to circle around the globe to scout out the naughty and nice list of where and where not to stop.  So, which were you this past year?  I’m going with “nice” and see if it sticks.  ha!

Hopefully you were all nice and Santa brings you exactly what you want for Christmas.  As for me,   I’m dreaming of a White Christmas this year, but since I live in the Central Valley of California, and I didn’t win the Lottery, this will have to remain just a dream for now.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas & a safe and prosperous Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Randy Elliott

The stores are all dressed up for the holidays and ready for the crowd of holiday shoppers.  But just because they built them (displays), will they come?

With the constant reminder of a downward Stockton area real estate market, and upward unemployment, will the hoards of holiday shoppers still rush out, stand in long lines, and hand over their hard-earned cash (or credit cards) on purchases they may not need or even want, but want to buy anyways out of obligation or sheer joy of holiday shopping?

I’m thinking YES!

People, myself included, usually enjoy the magic of the winter holidays and all the dressings in the windows, and the sparkling lights at night.  It kind of puts us in the mood to share what our current emotions are with the ones we love and care for.  Sometimes even for the ones we just like. 

What I’d really love to see this year is more thought put into gift-giving by not having someone get me whatever was new or on sale, but actually what our relationship means to each other.  I love homemade cards and gifts.  To me that’s putting some real thought into what our relationship is.

We don’t always have the time, or the talent, to make elaborate handmade gifts, but an individual card with a personal message may be all it takes to make someone’s holiday just that much more special and enjoyable.

With all the stress of the holidays, even Santa needs therapy.

Happy Holidays to all of us!