We all know, 2020 has been a wild ride with one thing after another going on or going wrong. But Christmas is here and soon it will be a new year. We all hope 2021 will be a good bit less crazy than in 2020. But still, with all that has been happening, life still goes on and Christmas has come. For some, Christmas is just a holiday but for many Christmas has a more special and personal meaning. One can not say Merry Christmas without thinking of all the reasons and ways people celebrate. If it is your faith that brings you together this time of year, we wish you strong faith and family to stand with you. If you are just in it for the holiday spirit, we wish you joy, peace, and above all hope. Whatever side of this you fall on, we hope you have loved ones to celebrate with you. We hope you have good times with friends and neighbors. We wish you a warm hearth, good food, hearty fun, and peace of mind. Appreciate what you have and love the people in your life. Hold strong to your beliefs or keep your trust in the world, without something to hold on to, life would only be darker than it already is. In times like 2020 has been, we need to hold onto the belief that things will get better and help each other to get to that place. A kind word and a gentle hand are always a gift no matter what season it is. So hold your candlelight prayers, go caroling, talk to loved ones, give gifts, eat more than you should, enjoy the lights and trees and music of the season. Of course, don’t forget your masks and hand sanitizer. We need all of these things as they are part of our traditions and part of what makes us, us.

Always, remember the reason for the season, if you do not know what that is, find someone to help you find it. Say a prayer for our military. Remember all the first responders, medical personnel, police, and other essential workers that are still working hard to keep our nation going and so are not with their families this holiday season.

This may seem kooky or trivial but sometimes it is good to just sit down and list the things that make the season meaningful to you or the things that you enjoy about the season. Many of us only remember the hustle and bustle that is the commercialized holidays. Take time to really enjoy these things, they are what the holiday season is really for.

We all here on the farm wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Thank you for visiting and please come again for another edition of Out Standing in the Field.