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BY E.J. Smith
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Let us always remember the reason we are celebrating the season and be thankful for the wonderful Gift we received. I hope everyone can find a way to “meet” that will keep you and your family safe while celebrating the most important occasion ever!  
As to next year…I know! Let’s wipe this year out of our memories the best we can and move forward. Let’s focus on wiping out the worst global disease in a hundred years. Remember? In 1918, the Spanish Flu wiped 1/3 of the world’s population; are we there yet? Even if you do not agree with the procedures to prevent Corona19, you may keep someone else in your family from contacting this horrible virus. You know the story: Wear a mask, social distance, and wash hands, especially when you get home. Good. Protect your family!
Let us wipe out all the hatred, the gossip, the foul language, the stubbornness, the “got to have it my way” attitude, the childishness, and greed, and whatever else is evil. If we begin work on all this, hopefully we won’t have time to practice these behaviors any more. Let’s concentrate on doing for others; the way it’s supposed to be. Plus, I personally guarantee that when you are serving someone else, you will be happier. Better yet, let’s trust God to do what He says he will and He will help us get back on track to a good, clean, safe world. We just have to talk to Him.
Let’s talk positive. Saturday evening, thanks Stickley Farm and Red Barn Events, the children in Fox Meadows subdivision got to see and talk to Santa! I guess his reindeer were somewhere for maintenance, because he was on a big beautifully decorated float pulled by a tractor. He was waving and shouting “Merry Christmas!” and tossing candy for the children to pick up. He disembarked and talked to a wonderful little girl I know and told her that he heard that she had been a very good girl. I second that! She was thrilled and  I am almost sure all the children that saw him were as well. I haven’t seen or heard of any more events like this, so why don’t you good readers share what you’ve seen and heard about? There has got to be more and we need to hear good news right now!
There are things we can do for our neighbors that will bring them joy and love. Baking cookies is fun and they always make recipients happy. I love baking, so my neighbors get cookies, pies and cakes, the favorite being my Mom’s Old Fashioned Apple Stack Cake. If you sew, make friends and families gifts. Last year, I made aprons for all the women and girls in the family. Who doesn’t love getting handmade items if you are a crafter? My friends probably are tired of my creations! If you have a talent, share it with your friends and family. Some of them will appreciate your efforts!
Whatever you decide to do this year for Christmas, I hope you stay healthy and happy and are looking forward to better times!
You are in my prayers,
E.J.