Did You Get the Turkey?
Ask me about supply chains and I can tell you all about it!
I’ve been living through it with my husband who helps move food and paper products all over this country.
For weeks, he’s been asking me if I bought a turkey!
✅ Yup, checked that off my list this week!
But, there are bigger turkeys to fry (thanks Louisiana for the inspiration!) in my house – namely, Santa’s list for my 6-year-old.
Santa’s Supply Chain Nightmare
Plastic roaring dinosaurs and obscure animals to add to his ever evolving “nature park” top his Christmas wish list. You guessed it, they’re all coming from China!
Last year, he got a ton of them from Santa, Grandma and Aunts and Uncles.
If you keep up with the news, you know, they’re all apparently stuck on container ships or won’t make it across the ocean in time for Christmas this year – causing chaos, and a rush on Amazon, for parents everywhere.
I decided not to jump on that ship.
I live in a sweet little town, with wonderful shops, that I want to see thrive. I also have a little boy who has everything he needs and MUCH, MUCH more.
This Christmas I’m not letting the chaos of supply chain shortages dictate how the season feels to my family. That decision feels like a gift that I’m giving myself, my family and my community.
Julie Kelley, Truly Jude Founder
My Plan of Action
My plan of action this year was to start small – small number of gifts, from small shops owned locally.
I intentionally decided to have “Santa’s” money pay it forward in a place that needs it more than Amazon. (Trust me, Amazon gets enough of my money!)
My little town has an amazing book store with toys! We’re lucky to have Boxcar and Caboose and this year I hit the jackpot there!
I got my little guy’s “big” gift – a Harry Potter Lego build, plus, almost everything for his stocking! I had a ball picking out gifts for him. There was so much to choose from and they were neat things that I might not have found otherwise.
My next stop was at Lumiere. They just opened the shop in St. Johnsbury, VT and it is filled with holistic gifts for teenagers and adults. From Oprah’s Favorite Things chapstick (poppy & pout) to local jewelry and the best selection of car stickers – it’s a delight just to be in this shop!
I also spent “Santa’s” money at Natural Provisions – they have Darn Tough Socks and SKIDA hats – two of my favorite gifts to give!
Pinterest Pros Inspire My Gift Giving
Part of avoiding the supply chain chaos was taking the advice of Pinterest pros who offer up lists of giving based on – something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read, something to experience, etc.
Christmas is a season meant to FEEL wonderful things. Making a conscious decision to avoid supply chain chaos, not be a part of it, feels so good.
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It FEELS good to:
✅ Simplify shopping for gifts
✅ Spend money with local businesses committed to my community’s wellbeing
✅ Create a mindset of gratitude for my son and a joy that goes beyond how many toys he gets
“The wise man does not lay up his own treasures. The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own.”
Lao Tza, Chinese Philosopher
Truly,
Julie
Your. Soulful. Spaces
Thank you and Happy Valentine’s Day!
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