'Tis the week after Thanksgiving, and you have plenty of time to prepare for Christmas, or do you? My advice: make lists for everything and practice self-care to stay at the top of your organizational game. 

Let’s start with Advent which begins Sunday, December 3 and ends on Sunday, December 24. Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation. Many religions use advent wreaths and light candles each Sunday. There is also the candy advent calendar. Back in the day, our youngest usually wiped out all the candy on the first day!

We have classic Advent candles and wreath holders available, too.

For the sweet tooth. We have a new chocolate line, Miss Maude’s, made in Richmond. We will offer bars of chocolate, and the best part – each square of the bar has a different flavor which represents the bar's name.

Holiday scent. A traditional holiday fragrance, Bayberry has arrived. These candles are known to bring good luck: "A Bayberry candle, burned to the socket, puts luck in the home and gold in the pocket." 

Get your tree! Whether real or artificial, get it up and decorated so you can enjoy it for the whole month. Remember, the real ones have been cut for a while and are better off at your house in water than in a tree lot. Our trees are decorated in different themes and waiting for you to select your special ornaments for this year. They also make great gifts.

Gifts. Start shopping early to avoid the last-minute rush. Online shopping is a great alternative which provides convenience. If you enjoy crafts, consider making some homemade gifts.

Baking and cooking. Hosting a meal? Plan your menu far ahead. Make cookies in advance and store in tins.

Patina has you covered for Advent, ornaments and lots of unique gifting. We hope to see you soon and remember, the most important part of the holiday season is spending time with loved ones and creating meaningful memories.

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