Greetings Berlin Natural Bakery Family, 

I cannot believe I am writing an end of the year blog post as I feel like it was just a few weeks ago that I wrote last year’s! Wow, time truly does fly and my oh my, how things can change in just one year. I almost feel that it’s like that phrase about parenthood: the days are long but the years are short. Truly a marvel! 

Thankfully, at this time, we are fully staffed! In fact, there are moments when orders are light that we’re actually a touch overstaffed. But seeing as we were so desperate for help for so long, we’re going to enjoy having a solid, filled team especially over the holidays as people take time off to be with their families and loved ones. 

Being fully staffed is a GAME CHANGER for us. My brother and I have many hopes and dreams for next year. We’d appreciate any good thoughts and prayers as we continue to learn and grow and try new things!  

This ending of 2023 is especially nostalgic as we have our General Manager and our Operations Manager retiring - both of them having been here for decades! They are impossible to replace but thankfully they’ve been extraordinary teachers for everyone here and we’re all feeling confident as we step into 2024 that we’ve got this covered! Still, saying goodbye is never easy even though they are walking into a retirement filled with grand babies and so much love and joy. 

One thing I can’t help but notice, as I reflect, is that this was a “growing into” year for me. As many of you know, my Mom is my business (and generally) life hero! And I’ve spent many years desperately trying to “be” her. And I feel like this year, it finally connected with me. I will never be her. I have many of her traits but I am me! And to try to be anything else is a disservice to the magic that is me! So folks, I’ve officially let go and am stepping into who I am called to be which is just the best Nicole I can be! 

I pray that as you continue to fly through your holiday plans and to-do lists that you find similar peace and joy in being wonderfully you. That you leave room for grace as you plan and organize and celebrate. Soak in every small moment of wonder in this season and keep your focus on what’s truly important: time spent together and gratitude for all the many miracles we saw this year and the miracles still to come! 

So we raise a “toast” to you and your family! To your health and your growth and your peace! May you have a gentle holiday season that ushers in a New Year of happy memories and joy! 

With all our best, 

Nicole & The Berlin Natural Bakery Family 

Housekeeping: We will be closed Monday (Dec 25) and Tuesday (Dec 26) for Christmas and Monday (Jan 1) for New Years. We will be shipping orders with their freshness and ship time in mind.