Home for the Holly-Daze (article) by Cynthia be_the_star_you

When the world went on pandemic lock-down in March, most people thought it would be over by fall. It is December holiday season and here in California we are once again on mandated lock-down to shelter-in-place until January 4th, 2021. I’ve reframed the concept into celebrating the HOLLY-DAZE!

For the past ten years, my extended family has gathered for several days at my son’s family home in beautiful Lake Tahoe to celebrate a white Christmas. It’s a magical time of baking, cooking, laughing, singing, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snowman making, ice skating, caroling, camaraderie, storytelling, hot-tubbing, and celebrating the love of family and friends. On the eve of Christmas, Santa arrives bringing gifts for all of us who have been good girls and boys. We all cherish this time and look forward to it annually.

This year, we all remain home for the holidays. As much as my husband and I will miss being with our children and others, it is the right thing to do in an effort to arrest this vicious virus. Although people probably won’t be arrested for breaking the rules, we want to do our part to keep everyone safe.

Until the last few months, I rarely shopped online. Since the pandemic, I have been happily amazed at how simple and efficient online shopping has been, in addition to keeping us safer. Since everyone gives gifts at the holidays, I want to recommend the sites I’m using. They give a small percentage of every sale back to Be the Star You Are!® charity, offer the consumer discounts and bonus gifts. I just used Giving Assistant (:https://givingassistant.org/np#be-the-star-you-are-inc) to order my favorite face cream. After typing in “Olay” in the search box, I was redirected to the Olay website. Once I chose the products I wanted, the app “Honey”, found discounts, and I received free shipping. Everything arrived in a few days without me leaving the house. I needed batteries for my solar lights, and Amazon Smile (https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-3333882) had exactly what I needed when the local hardware store didn’t. I’m now a fan. It feels great to be able to shop and give back to charity at the same time. So look below for places to do your online-shopping while making a difference. It’s a win/win.

If you have wanted to buy any of our signature books, now is the BEST time to do so as besides the normal extra goodies we offer, you will be given a FREE bonus inspirational music CD by a renowned artist. Visit https://CynthiaBrian.com/online-store to order today.

For hundreds of discounted new books by authors you love, visit our Be the Star You Are!® Amazon store at ttps://www.amazon.com/shops/be_the_star_you_are_charity

Find your joy and shine your light on others in these dark days. I am more grateful than ever to be alive and for having health, family, friends, and a home in which to celebrate Christmas.

Sending love, peace, health, and healing to you during this blessed holiday season.

To avoid exposure to coronavirus in stores, shop on-line. We have a dozen suggestions for you to shop, save, and stay safe while supporting Be the Star You Are!. Most are offering major discounts or sales. for all of your shopping essentials.

4. Stock up on autographed, first edition books from our StarStyle® store and we will include extra goodies with your order. Plus, through the holidays we are including a complimentary CD of beautiful, relaxing music to help you decompress. https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store.

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