’Tis the Season of Peace and Goodwill

Every year at this time, you get to read about how much I love this season. I felt this year should be no different. On the day after Thanksgiving, we begin putting up our decorations, and we hope that by the end of the weekend, we are beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

The week after, I’m hard at work getting the December issue out — and as soon as it goes to the printer on Friday, I begin making cookies for the cookie exchange in which I have participated for the past 35 years. This year, the number of cookies we are to bring is 18 dozen.

After making 112 dozen Christmas cookies for my son’s wedding a few years ago, I’ll whip those out in no time, with help from my sister who is visiting from Colorado.

Then there is the cookie exchange party on Sunday; the following Saturday, we will have nine children over to make gingerbread houses at my house; the next day is one of my son’s office parties at our house; two days later is my Rotary club’s holiday party at our house; and three days after that is our office party at our general manager, Cathy Yost’s, house.
Of course, there also are other events: chamber parties, the Symphony of Lights, the lighting of the Bollman Bridge, getting together on Christmas Eve with family and friends, and having family over on Christmas Day.

I don’t have to participate in or host everything, but I choose to, because I enjoy it. I love being around my family and friends and the laughter that always accompanies those occasions. I especially enjoy having the many children involved because, for me, they truly do make the season bright.

I know that many people find this too crazy and prefer a quieter approach to the holidays.  And, thank goodness, they may well be the ones creating the peaceful environment for those like me. But either way, what I most like about Christmas and the holiday season is that, for the most part, there seems to be a gentler, kinder atmosphere — sometimes minus the shopping crowd, of course.

Yes, I have been called Pollyanna on occasion, and yes, I do believe in Santa Claus. I guess that explains it all.

Words From Andy Rooney

I recently came across this list about life’s lessons given by CBS-TV’s Andy Rooney, of “60 Minutes” fame. I thought these were appropriate for the season.

I’ve learned … That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I’ve learned … That when you’re in love, it shows.

I’ve learned … That just one person saying to me, ‘You’ve made my day!’ makes my day.

I’ve learned … That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I’ve learned … That being kind is more important than being right.

I’ve learned … That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I’ve learned … That I can always pray for someone when I don’t have the strength to help him in any other way.

I’ve learned … That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I’ve learned … That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I’ve learned … That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I’ve learned … That money doesn’t buy class.

I’ve learned … That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I’ve learned … That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I’ve learned … That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I’ve learned … That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I’ve learned … That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I’ve learned … That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I’ve learned … That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I’ve learned … That life is tough, but I’m tougher.

I’ve learned … That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I’ve learned … That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I’ve learned … That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I’ve learned … That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I’ve learned … That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, you’re hooked for life.

I’ve learned … That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.

I’ve learned … That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

 

Happy Holidays

Cathy, I and all of us at The Business Monthly find it an honor and a pleasure to work and know so many of you in our community. We appreciate your support and are happy to be told you find the paper an important resource.
But most of all, we wish you, your family and friends the best for the holidays and a happy and prosperous 2018.