Are You Ready for The Holidays?
By: David Freund, Chief Leadership Officer

I’m sure it’s no surprise to you that in my opinion, this time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. People seem to be in such good spirits. Strangers greet one another in stores and doorways wishing each other Happy Holidays. People begin to think of loved ones and what they might enjoy as a gift. Schools have holiday concerts and gift exchanges. Families decorate their homes with pine boughs, red bows, and mistletoe. The smell of Christmas cookies fills many a kitchen. None of his happens by accident. It all takes planning and, as I mentioned last week, a good dose of positivity to battle the pitfalls around the next corner.

As I was reflecting on my favorite Christmas memories, my mind went back to Christmas 1976. We had a rough winter that never seemed to quit, and Christmas Eve brought quite the storm. When we woke up Christmas morning, it was obvious that our Christmas Service at church would need to be canceled. I must confess that as a 15-year-old I wasn’t as upset about the service being canceled as the potential that Christmas dinner might be canceled. Our plan was to join some dear friends on Onondaga Hill for dinner which would include a standing rib roast and Yorkshire Pudding. Just as it seemed all was lost, my older brother decided to take his Chevy Suburban and run a taxi service to the home on the Hill. As we drove downtown to pick up an elderly friend of the family the streets were empty and we seemed to be the only people out and about. God bless Bob who came to the rescue and saved the standing rib dinner.

What are some of your fondest memories? What plans do you have to make this time of year special for your loved ones? Take the time to slow down and appreciate the wonder of the Season. Please join Marisa (she’s back!) and me on The Next Page as we reflect and share our plans.

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