PA Christmas & Gift Show

Hey there! Today I want to share with you some highlights from a recent trip I took with a fantastic bunch of ladies from my church.

Earlier this month, this gorgeous group of gals trekked on down to the Pennsylvania Christmas & Gift Show, held at the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg every year in late November/early December.

That’s me on the far left. Bargain babe Becky is beside me. We left in the morning about 7 a.m. in our tricked-out church van. This photo was taken at a Mickey-D’s pit stop.

We got to the farm show complex around 10 a.m. (when the doors opened) along with literally thousands of other people from all over who came to visit this festive celebration of decorations, arts & crafts, cuisines and musical and dance groups. Among the unique gifts available were crafts, jewelry, clothing, Christmas decorations, toys, household accents, ceramics, furniture, dolls, flowers, paintings and holiday foods. It was literally an explosion of holiday goodies, people.

Last year was my first trip to the show. When I saw some of the ladies in our van busting out with rolling shopping carts, I thought, ‘Oh boy. I am out of my element, here.’ I mean, I love me some shopping, but can I just say, these. ladies. can. shop. They are hardcore, fa’ reals shoppers, people. I love it!

Here are some of the goodies I encountered along the way this year.

What a fun, whimsical tree. Tiny would love this for her room.

I think our state’s new PA Preferred program is so cool. PA Preferred is a state-supported agricultural marketing program. The State Department of Agriculture launched the PA Preferred program to identify and promote food and agricultural products grown, produced or processed in Pennsylvania. So we know for sure when we are buying something that’s locally grown or made! What a great idea.

There were so many talented groups that performed at the show this year. I took a few pics during my hotdog/soda break.

Too cute!

After we spent the morning and most of the afternoon at the show, we headed out to the Hershey Outlets for, you guessed it, more shopping. I got some Christmas gifts and picked up some cute, crafty items to decorate the casa with.

I had a blast with these ladies. They are so much fun! And they are a real source of encouragement to me. I appreciate hearing about their triumphs and disappointments and sharing my own with them. It is so great to know that you aren’t alone in life’s struggles. Wouldn’t you agree?

I hope you all have folks around you to laugh and cry with, too.

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Gal. 6:2

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up … – 1 Thess. 5:11