‘The most wonderful time of the year’

It is no hidden fact this year has been particularly hard for many Americans, Kentuckians, neighbors, even friends and family. The joy that would normally fill your home this time of year may not be as strong as in years past. However, that doesn’t mean that we all shouldn’t hold onto one important fact, that no matter how you spend this Christmas and holiday season during our nation’s pandemic, it is, as they say, “the most wonderful time of the year.” 

Even if you are decking the halls alone, giving virtual hugs to those you love, sending gifts instead of hand delivering them, it is important to still take a moment and embrace the magic of Christmas that is all around us, and the blessings we can all be thankful for even in this very trying time. 

This December may not feel like it should, but together, if we hold onto the promise of the year to come, give thanks for the moments of joy, even if they were small, we were able to steal from the year that is quickly coming to a close, we can all help to make the season a little brighter. 

COVID has no doubt challenged all of us in 2020. The burden it has forced us all to carry, even if that burden doesn’t look the same for everyone, has been shared by all of us. But there is light at the end of this very difficult tunnel, and together we can help brighten the holidays by looking ahead and not behind. It’s written, “this too shall pass,” and what better time to hold onto that hope than at Christmas. 

As we close out this year, it remains important to continue to do our best to slow the spread of COVID-19, to be mindful of not only your health but the health of others. Looking ahead at the new year, let’s all focus on just that – health. From making that appointment which may have been put off, to joining a gym even with state mandates in place. If anything, this last year has shown us all that even during a pandemic, it is always important to take care of your health and be mindful of what your body is telling you.

As we close out the year, we at Ephraim McDowell wish you all a happy holiday season and a very happy, healthy, new year. Merry Christmas!