Wow! If there has ever been a year that has tested us all - it would have to be this one! We saw as many moments of victory as we did struggle. 

It has never been more apparent to me just how differently we operate in today’s day and age. We have always baked in small batches and created Spelt bread the old fashioned way. It is easy to say but MUCH harder to do. Every loaf and every batch of bread is truly a labor. And when you have all the help you need, the labor doesn’t quite feel as heavy but when hiring is nearly impossible - my goodness, you feel the weight of the burden of what we do! 

To say this has been a season of survival is an understatement! 

So, let’s start out with an overwhelming expression of gratitude for all the people who work tirelessly every single day at Berlin Natural Bakery to get that bread baked and sliced and packaged with excellence. Without them, there truly would be no Berlin Natural Bakery and this year especially, they have pushed through, risen up and made the impossible happen. It’s both humbling and inspiring and leaves me in awe.

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If you have a few moments and feel compelled, please leave a comment below of well wishes, encouragement and/or gratitude for the boots on the ground at the bakery. I would love to share your words with them especially this time of year! 

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Next, I would like to express how grateful we are to have had no major supply chain distruptions like many companies have seen this year. Our partners have been honorable and made things happen for us even when they weren’t sure they could. We’ve seen an equal amount of protection but also wisdom from our leadership at the bakery which has meant we have what we need to get through each day, week and month. Thank goodness! 

Finally, I would like to thank you! This has been an odd year with items online going in and out of stock, switching from FedEx to UPS for deliveries, transitioning to USDA organic Spelt grain and more! Through it all you have been kind, understanding, encouraging and compassionate. Your support means everything to us and our hearts - above all - remain to continue showing up for you and your family. So thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for taking this journey with us as we continue to try to give you our best every single time! 

I know this holiday letter may not read as upbeat as normal but I am believing that is ok. This past season has been complex - seeing as much joy and happiness as we have heartache and struggle. But I am betting that may be the same for you. So it is with tears of gratitude in our eyes as we say cheers to you this holiday season! May 2022 bring with it breakthrough, inspiration, contentment and joy for each and every one of us! 

Now go! Keep up that holiday prepping, cherish every moment with your loved ones and eat that good food! :) 

Merry Christmas and Happy new Year to you and yours!