letter from the publisher
It’s that time of year again – time to take stock of 2020, plan for the holidays, and get ready for a new year. To try and recap nearly 12 months of happenings and give them their just due would be impossible. But I think we can all agree that this year will be one to remember. No one really knows the extent to which 2020 will take shape and inevitably change this country, the world, and history.
Like everything else this year, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s will look very different than what we’re used to. After surviving a pandemic, hoping for a normal holiday season seems like a wish even Santa won’t be able to grant us. At this stage, there are only a few things we can say with certainty: Thanksgiving will take place on November 26; Christmas Day will still fall on December 25; and New Year’s Eve will occur on December 31. Beyond that, almost everything else is up in the air.
Most family gatherings will be much smaller than previous years. This could lead to some awkward discussions about who is immediate and who is a bit more extended. Read “Not Your Normal Holiday Gatherings” on page 10 for a few helpful hints.
Doctors, nurses, police officers, and firemen will stay accessible to us to ensure our safety, should we need them. Grocery workers and delivery people will continue to work, as they’ve done throughout the pandemic, to make sure all our holiday gifts and favorite foods are available. Let’s not forget to thank all of the essential workers.
While the pandemic may have left many of us feeling a bit hesitant, I’m certain Christmas shopping is still going to get done one way or another. Check out our “Holiday 2020 Gift Guide” on page 11, where we hope to save you a little time, money, and convenience by offering a few unique holiday ideas.
It doesn’t take much to make an impression, but kindness transcends more than a moment. It fills the hearts of those who witness it. It’s the reason one person choosing to treat the person in the car behind them to their order in a drive-thru creates a chain reaction, and why the recipient of such a kind deed makes it a point to mention what a joyful experience it was. It’s why it warms our hearts to witness someone stop to help a perfect stranger at a crucial moment.
Kindness creates kindness; it changes our energy and changes people. It’s a beautiful experience to be on both the giving and receiving end, as well as watching it unfold. Let’s make it a point to be a little kinder with each other. If you feel you’d like to extend that kindness to a local charity, read about “18 Charities You Should Know” on page 38 to see how they could use your help.
I’m hopeful all the challenges we’ve faced this year somehow bring us together in ways that help us to better recognize our commonalities: we’re all human, we all get sick, and we all worry about loved ones. As social people, we try to help one another when bad things happen. I think, on that note, we can agree there are some very good things from 2020 that I hope we all remember.
Until next year – be kind, laugh a lot, love more, and stay healthy!
