The holidays are coming, and they are closing in fast! Some of you are busy preparing, and some of you are about to become very busy, in a frantic sort of way. As much as I love the holidays, I never seem to pull it together early. I always fall into the frantically busy category. When things are hectic it is easy to become irritated, making the celebration of the blessings in our lives seem a bit like a chore. As we struggle with shopping lists and party invites, compounded by winter’s cold weather, it is important to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.

If you find yourself struggling in the final weeks before Christmas, perhaps you should stop by Essence and enjoy a complimentary cup of hot tea. In addition to our full menu of services, our winter features begin on December 2, offering wonderful winter themed services to help restore your sanity. To sweeten the pot, we have plenty of great gift ideas and stocking stuffers to round off your holiday shopping while you relax.

Gift Ideas

Nothing beats the gift of beauty and relaxation and we have many options for you to choose from:

• Signature Spa Four Pack- $277

Choose any combination of four signature facials and therapeutic massages.

• Specialty Spa Four Pack- $317

Choose any combination of four specialty facials and deep tissue massages.

• Classic Massage Package

Purchase 6 services and receive the 7th free of charge.

• Classic Facial Package

Purchase 6 services and receive the 7th free of charge.

• Gift Cards

Available in any amount for every occasion.

In addition to our usual boutique items, beginning the Monday after Thanksgiving, we will have a great selection of stocking stuffers, candles, jewelry, cozy scarves, hats and mittens, great hand bags and wallets, gourmet tea and tea cups, and artwork; the list goes on and on. You simply must come in and see for yourself.

One final gift suggestion….

To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.

— Oren Arnold

What a beautiful thought: the world we would live in if every person made an effort to fulfill this list at Christmas, and year-round. It is fun and easy to give gifts to those we love, but there is therapeutic value in blessing each other with intangible gifts from the heart.

Charity

Sadly, need knows no season. Several years back, I discovered an organization that I believe does the work of angels. Mountain Peace Shelter provides a safe haven for folks in our mountain communities that are affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other relationship violence. Each year my mom and I make Christmas stockings and sell them in the salon for a donation (they are really cute!). Every penny goes to MPS- we don’t even pay ourselves back for the fabric we use. We also collect items from their “Top 10 Most Needed” list: toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, Clorox wipes, laundry soap, dishwasher detergent, trash bags, diapers (size 3-5 and pull ups), coffee/ creamer, and pet supplies. So, whether you need a cute stocking or just feel compelled to drop off a supply or two it will be greatly appreciated.

In addition to the feel good that comes with doing good, we will be giving away a basket of salon goodies to one lucky kind-hearted person. Here’s how it works: Purchase a stocking and/or donate something from the “Top 10 Most Needed” list to have your name entered into the drawing. We will be collecting donations through December and will draw our winner on Monday, December 30.

Gratitude

Being a small local business in a smallish community can be challenging at times. Essence has been so very blessed this year (and every year) with great staff and amazing clients. Thanks to all of you who walked through our doors and allowed us to care for you, it is truly our pleasure and we look forward to doing it for years to come!

We wish you a Merry Christmas and an extraordinarily Happy New Year!

Warmly,

Kim Taylor