Some of us are able to manage our sadness with what is going on in our world, and are able to be grateful for what we have and pivot our mindset to knowing that this November and December the holidays will be less festive and more insular than holidays of the past. Others are struggling with anxiety and loneliness. Beginning with Thanksgiving, let our thoughts and actions be with those feeling isolated in their homes, dining by theirselves. Let’s reach out to our neighbors and others with tokens of kindness to let them know that they are not really alone. After all, giving and having compassion for others is ultimately what brings us true happiness.
Below are some Thanksgiving ideas:
Take your neighbor for a drive with masks on, or ask them to Zoom with you over dinner / cocktails
Bring your neighbor a baked bread or holiday side dish
Take a walk around the block with someone you know is lonely
Shining Stars Foundation Toy Drive
‘Small Wonders’ and Red Brick holiday art sale give Aspen area artists a boost
Small Wonders” showcases work by local artists, all of it measuring no larger than 12 square inches for affordable prices (most under $200). A popular launch to the holiday shopping season and a beloved annual party, the event is among few remaining venues for budget-friendly original art in the Aspen area. ~ Aspen Times
The 2020 version opens to the public on Friday, November 20th. Amid the ongoing pandemic, social distancing and masks are required. And while there is diverse art on the walls from 30 Aspen area artists, the gallery won’t host its usual opening bash.
“We cannot do the community part,” said gallery co-director Michael Bonds during walk-through on Tuesday. “We can’t do the things we did in the past. But we are just trying to go with the flow and not have huge expectations.”
That reception has also traditionally provided a boost to local families in need. The show is hosted in partnership with the volunteer-run Holiday Baskets program has supplies food and gifts for some 250 Roaring Fork Valley families in need. It allows people to “adopt” families and provide the gifts they request for the holiday season. Visitors to “Small Wonders” can sign up to adopt a family in the gallery.
The 2020 “Small Wonders” show runs concurrently with the annual holiday art sale at the Red Brick Center fro the Arts in Aspen, which showcases work by its 12 resident artists for the shopping season. A cash-and-carry show in the “Small Wonders” mold, the works there showcase ceramics and vases, abstract and representational painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture and jewelry design.
