Hey there gang! It's been quite the year hasn't it?! 2020 I think will go down in infamy as one of the most memorable years on record (not in a good way). Political divisions, Covid-19, shutdowns everywhere, job losses and businesses closing all over the place...do I really need to go on, UGH!!! In one way or another, Covid-19 has impacted all of us. The fact of the matter is, for a lot of people out there the holidays are not going to be so happy this year--perhaps even you fall into that category. BUT, we can ALL make a difference in someone's life. Sit back for a moment and really think about your life this year and how you have been impacted by everything. Maybe this year has been great for you. Or, you may be reading this thinking it's been about the worst year ever. But there are so many ways to turn that frown upside down. Ever think about the child that has no presents under the tree this year? How about the sons and daughters who have lost parents and other family members? What about the family that ran the local diner down the road for the past 47 years, only to now be out of business with no hope for the immediate future. Or what about that person that has few or no people in their lives and will be alone for the holidays. This and every holiday season is about giving, not necessarily monetarily. Sometimes even the simplest of gestures can make someone's day--a quick smile, a small surprise, a phone call telling someone you're thinking of them, a card in the mail. We can get so involved with our own "stuff" that it can get really easy to forget just how rewarding giving to others is. The smallest of kind gestures can really make someone's day, especially in these difficult times. I challenge you to think of one person and how you can make a difference in that person's life today. Think of a way to make them smile, even if you don't feel in the giving mood or like smiling yourself. You may just find that that one small gesture you did for someone else will also brighten your day! The good news is, 2020 is almost over! With a new year on the horizon comes a fresh start, a renewed purpose and a new beginning. An opportunity to make some changes, to do some positive things and to let your family, friends and those close to you know that they mean the world to you. But most of all, just make a difference. What today brings tomorrow may not, so make the most of today. Lastly, I wanted to relay the warmest of wishes to you and yours this holiday season. Here's to a long-overdue end to 2020 and to a hopeful, optimistic and rewarding 2021. Stay positive everyone and stay classy! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
