In the retail industry, Christmas is in full swing. This is no less true in garden retailing. Christmas Trees and Poinsettias are already in demand, and Thanksgiving isn’t even here yet. And while I understand that Thanksgiving is late this year and we’re in a depressed economy where a splash of Christmas color might brighten a person’s day, I wish that we could celebrate one holiday at a time.

This year, even with an uncertain economic future, we have much for which to give thanks. Here in the Northwest, we get to wake up each day to glorious snow-covered mountains–at least when it’s sunny. And when it’s not, we can still trust that they’ll be there the next time the clouds lift. We can give thanks for fiery sunsets like the one I just watched. We can give thanks for families, friends, and a community to be a part of. There’s plenty for which to be thankful.

And at Vander Giessen Nursery, we’re thankful, too. You, our customers, have given us a good year, and we’re thankful that we can start planning for another year of business. We’ve been around 70 years, so it’s easy to take things for granted, but we’re thankful to be entering our 71st season next spring.

Come Friday, the Christmas season can begin in earnest, and at Vander Giessen Nursery, we’ll do our best to provide our customers with the Christmas trees, Poinsettias, and gift ideas they need. But for tonight and tomorrow, let’s pause to give thanks for the many blessings given to us each and every day.

David