Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Laura and I have been talking a lot about what the Holidays mean to us. This year, with Olivia being old enough to really understand that the big guy in the red suit will be visiting later in the week, and with Jackson now capable of digging into wrapped packages, this special time of year has taken on new meaning. As Laura comes from Southwest Virginia/Northeast Tennessee we have had to “blend” our Christmas traditions and this year we’ll spend Christmas Eve with the Price/Campbell family at Mom and Dad’s and then Christmas will be quite frankly the busiest day of the year. Santa will visit our house first thing, followed by breakfast and presents at my folks, then presents and Lunch at my Grandparents on the farm and then a four hour drive to Tennessee/Southwest Virginia to start the 48 hour Walters/Jackson festivities with the in-laws.

But in the hustle and bustle it’s important to remember that there are folks that won’t have as festive a holiday. Maybe they’ve lost a loved one, or have been laid off. Maybe they don’t have a family to spend the holidays with, or don’t have the means to give to their family. Maybe they are in a faraway land serving our nation, or maybe they are here at home praying for their loved ones safe return from danger. Now to me, it’s none of my business if you feel “He is the reason for the season” (like in my house) or whether you think you should just “be good for goodness sake.” Surely whatever your beliefs, we can all agree that nothing appeals more to our better angels than helping your fellow man in a time of need. So in the spirit of the season that reminds us that it is better to give than receive I would ask you: Give your time. Give your donations to those charitable organizations that raise to help the needy in your community. Give your words of advice and encouragement to those who are troubled. Give your ears and shoulders to those who need to be lifted. And of course, give your heart. By sharing our love, time, and energy, together we can help make sure that everyone has the happiest holiday possible, regardless of the holiday you chose to celebrate.
So on that note, I send best wishes to EVERYONE for a safe and happy holiday season.

Best,

Jeff