Christmas music is playing softly in the background. Outside night is slowly taking over, a sleepy hush blanketing the neighbourhood as the sky fades to a darker blue. I get up to turn on the Christmas lights and poke my head outside to enjoy them. Turning to go back into the shop I remember the sound of the mail man stopping by and lift the cold metal lid of the mailbox. Junk mail. I scoop it out and wonder at the thickness of the pile as I make my way back to the waiting cup of tea.

Happiness is receiving a Christmas card from a customer in the mail

Hiding between the junk mail is an envelope, Cliffside Village Books, hand written on the front along with our address and a stamp with Santa on it. The first Christmas card of the season!

I open it in a hurry as if the sender might change their mind and take it back even though I’m alone in the shop. The card is sparkly and the sparkles get all over me and I couldn’t be more happy about it. I am excited, and touched and totally in love with my customers.